Love, Lies, and a Fatal Dog

but to pack. I walked into the sleek, minimalist office that had

was Cohen, looking tan and rested. Behind him, holding a leash, was Hillary. And at t

od ran

ful, as if he'd just returned from a regular business tr

t the dog, and then bac

ympathy. She gave the leash a little tug. Caesar panted, his tongue lolling out. He

ls just awful about what happened.

ith adoring eyes. "He's been so sweet, taking care of poor Caesar. The

mal that had torn my mother's flesh.

d earnestly. "But we can only do that if

h conditions.

steady, devoid of emotion. "Doe

ion hung

tened. "What's that

's the one who did the biting. Or did you forget that part? Ma

tchy red. "You're being ridi

. "And my mother

his voice sharp. The mask of contrition

en through a lot. She's here, trying to be the big

, pierced my chest. He was de

different? Why did I even for a s

n's chest. "I just wanted to say I was sorry," she w

, glaring at me over her head. "She'

ard. "You owe Hillary an apology

st, that I almost laughed. Apologize? To her?

" I

, but it had the f

did yo

aid

ime in our entire relationship. It sounded like an accusation.

et me ask you something, Cohen. When they put my mot

s face paling.

ed up my box of belongings,

you going?"

sed his secretary's desk, I

o the stunned-looking woma

pproval to quit. I had that authority. It was o

eing in that house, a space that was once ours and

entlessly. A flood

where

s. We can ta

as an idiot. P

ove

fter another, and felt nothing

d off m