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"I’ve let Jolene controlI’ve set soh they sound like plain old rules to ave a quick shake of his head "Ever since I’ve started seeing Dr Jenner, she’s gotten more rebellious"

Rachel didn’t knohat to say Depressed, she felt as if they’d never find a solution The one suggestion she had was that they live apart until Jolene left for college Then and only then would she and their baby move in with Bruce

"Let’s talk about more pleasant subjects," Bruce said

"Like what?"

"Christie and Jaht up in her own personal crisis, Rachel hadn’t thought about her best friend’s sister in weeks

Christie and Jaone to Vegas for the cereas, too, Rachel remembered fondly On the surface those tere an unlikely couple; Teri was practical and emotionally astute, while Bobby, a professional chess player, lived--or used to live--an entirely cerebral life His approach was logical rather than instinctive Maybe because of that, they fit together perfectly, each respecting the other’s skills and talents If only her own e was as uncoame?" Bruce asked

"Bobby was in another tournaame"

"What about it?" The last ti about Bobby and Jaame It involved chess and a parallel universe That was all she knew Teri wasn’t sure hoorked so she hadn’t explained it too clearly She was far too busy caring for their triplets to worry about chess or ga company The deal’s worth a whole lot of ames in the future Jauessed James had it in him? He’s always been so quiet and content to rened and the ga since World of Warcraft"

"World of what?"

"Never ?"

His s him so amused made her want to smile, too

"Christie’s decided to fatten him up"

She did smile now James was tall and rail-thin, always had been as far as she knew She remembered the first time she’d seen him He’d come to the salon on an errand for Bobby He’d looked so uncomfortable and out of place she was torn between syot one of those superefficient ht Teri said she’s become more domesticated than a house cat James wanted her to quit her job at Wal-Mart, which she did"

"What about her classes at the coe?" They’d been so important to Christie when she’d enrolled, and Rachel hated the thought of her dropping out

"She’s more determined to finish those than ever"

"Good She needs to do that for herself"

"Whatever she wants, Ja well at the sa "Even if he stays exactly the saht"

Clearly Bruce had been to see Teri "How are the triplets?"

"Growing like grass in August"

"And Teri?"

"Great The boys are sleeping better now and she looks like she’s getting more rest Bobby, too"

They’d hired a nanny, whom Rachel had met, but Teri kept a close eye on her sons

"She said you hadn’t come over or called her in a while" This sounded a bit accusatory

Rachel knew that the instant she saw Teri she’d tell her about living with Nate Teri was her best friend in all the world, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut The only solution, really, had been to avoid her altogether Rachel ive her friend a call or visit soon She was feeling stronger and it no longer needed to be such a secret that she was living and working in Bremerton

"James and Christie are happy, then?"

"Sure seee of subject, he didn’t comment Instead, he squeezed her hand and looked directly into her eyes "Let me come home with you"

"Bruce"

"I won’t spend more than a couple of hours"

She knehat her husband wanted and, frankly, she was teh She was afraid that they’d walk into the house and Nate would be there And she wasn’t ready for that…

"I can’t…I have a rooet" That probably wouldn’t matter to Bruce, so she decided to elaborate on the truth Okay, she’d lie "My rooo home with you," she said quickly

Bruce hesitated

"I won’t stay longer than…necessary," she said, and then because it sounded so calculating, she started to giggle

"What’s so funny?"

"Us We’re married and we can’t find a place to be alone This is ridiculous"

"Jolene’s still at the house," Bruce said

"Oh, right That won’t work, then"

"It’s hter thinks You’re ht with her now, especially if she isn’t feeling well"

Neither said anything for several seconds

"We could always get a hotel roo"

He grinned sheepishly "I’m not"

"But…"

"Do you have a better idea?"

Rachel didn’t