Chapter 1

I wish I was surprised. I really do.

But the girl in tears before me is the only one shocked by this revelation. I don't even have the heart to be upset with her. Honestly, I'm hardly even upset with Matthew and this whole situation is ultimately his fault.

"I swear I didn't know, Mrs. Maddison" the girl says. Lacey. That's the young woman's name. The name of the woman Matthew broke his vows for.

"Hush now, don't cry," I say, reaching out a hand to pat her on the arm. It's an awkward attempt, but Lacey seems comforted by it. I can see why Matthew is attracted to her. She's a lovely thing—thick, dark hair, pretty green eyes, and at least five years younger than I am.

Everything a man wants in the next iteration of girlfriend.

"And call me Sarah, please," I continue as the girl tries to stifle her sobs.

"I don't know what to do," Lacey says. "I never thought that I'd be in this situation."

My lips twist into a wry smile. "That makes two of us." Though not for the same reasons, I'm sure. "Why don't you come in? Matt won't be back for a while and you look like you could use a moment before you get back home."

Lacey bites her lip which is already puffy and red from crying, but then she nods, ducking her head and following demurely into the house.

"Why are you being so kind to me? Aren't you mad?" she asks as I settle her on the couch with a glass of water and a box of tissues.

It's a hard question to answer, so I busy myself bringing over a plate of almost stale gingersnaps and settling down on the wingback adjacent her.

"Mad at you?" I say after a while. "No. I am not mad at you. I wish I could tell you that this came as a shock, but it hasn't. Matthew is just... *that* kind of man." I give Lacey a significant look hoping she catches my drift.

She doesn't.

"What kind of man?"

I suck my lips between my teeth, wondering how best to explain—if I should even explain it.

"Matthew is the kind of man that thinks he deserves something just because he wants it."

Lacey looks almost scandalized and I can't help but chuckle.
"He's not all bad, and he does have some restraint, but he's not a *good* man, either."

Lacey's lip quivers and I pull a tissue, handing it to her. "I never noticed. He's always so kind to me. He's even been helping me pay off my student loans. Was that a lie? I'm so stupid." Another sob escapes her and she buries her face in the tissue for a moment, trying to compose herself.

Oh, to be young and in love. I want to smack Matthew for making this poor girl cry.

"Neither did I, at first," I reassure her. "He's a real charmer when he wants to be. And, no, I don't think he's lying to you. He does like helping, he just isn't doing it for you. It's more like a power trip to him."

"I feel so stupid. And now all I'm doing is talking about myself, when you're the one who's been wronged."

I let out a long breath and glance out the window.

"Lacey," I say, "honestly, you don't need to be so broken up about it for my sake. He used you—used both of us—but I've been married to him for years. I've come to terms with the kind of man he is and what I get out of the relationship. You are a sweet girl and I appreciate that you came forward once you found out."

"I couldn't just let him get away with it," Lacey says, a passion in her voice that surprises me. "It's not right."

"You have integrity. That deserves more than Matthew can give you." I smile at her and reach out to give her knee a comforting squeeze.

"What are you going to do?" Lacey asks, wringing the tissue between slim fingers.

I consider for a moment. "I suppose I'll give Matt a chance to fess up himself. Does he know you planned on telling me?"

Lacey's face pales. "No," she says. "He knows that I found out but I wouldn't dare threaten him. It's not that I think he'd—but, you know, better to be safe."

I nod in understanding. I, too, doubt Matt would resort to violence—he enjoys his image too much—but Lacey was probably wise not to risk it.

"Well, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention it to him just yet. I'd like to see if he'll come forward himself."

Lacey nibbles on her lip again and I have to pull my gaze away. It really is not hard to see why Matt picked this girl. Such a lovely woman.

"All right," she says at last. "If you think that's best."

She takes a steeling breath, then stands. "I think I should get going now."

"Are you going to be all right?" I ask, standing to walk her to the door.

"I think so," she says. "Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Maddison—I mean, Sarah. I'm sorry for my part in everything. Even though I didn't know, I'm still sorry."

"Don't be too hard on yourself. I hope your next relationship is more forthright. You deserve much more than Matthew."

Lacey bites her lip again. "You do, too, you know," she says in a quiet voice. "Deserve someone who respects you, that is."

The bluntness of that statement stuns me into silence for a moment. I'm a little offended even as I know she's right. Matthew doesn't respect me, not really. But... I know I won't leave him even so, and that is a bit of a sting to my pride.

"Well, I'll be going, then. Thank you for everything." Before I can untangle my thoughts enough to respond, Lacey wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, catching my off guard. It's over almost as soon as it's begun. I barely have time to give her an encouraging pat on the back before she's pulled back, ducking her head shyly and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"If you need anything, though, or... if there's any way I can make it up to you, here's my card."

With that, she hands me a small pink card and scurries off so fast I'm worried she might trip down the porch stairs.

I find myself staring long after she's disappeared. How did it all come to this? And the strangest thing is that I'm truly not even sad. Maybe a little irritated, that's only fair. But I've always known this was a possibility, and for the last few years I've suspected he's been cheating. This was just confirmation.

Still, I'll give Matt a chance to come clean himself.

If not... well, I'm not sure what, but just as I know Matt, he knows me. And I'm plenty petty enough to make him regret his actions.

That thought is enough to cheer me up considerably as I go to clear Lacey's untouched glass and the gingersnap cookies.