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“No, it’s not” She shook her head and reached to grab his hand, but he pulled away

“I’m not who you think I a to tell you that for weeks”

Dinner was silent and painful from that point Ben was fussy and keyed up from the tension between Julia and Jesse She tried to distract Ben with a few toys and crackers For herself, she couldn’t eat anything and as if to spite her, as if to ht, Jesse ate hisslowness But finally, they walked out to the sensation of dozens of eyes tracking them

They exited the building and Julia sighed with relief

“Thank God, that’s over,” she muttered

But just outside the door, in the lineup, a woe, but the hate in her eyes was fresh Real Behind her an older man pulled out a cell phone

Jesse swore under his breath and moved farther away from her

“You’re Mitch’s , aren’t you?” the wonation

Julia could only nod and hug Ben close

“And that’s his little boy?” she asked

“Let’s go,” Julia whispered, ignoring the woman

“You should be asha to lie doith this animal?” the woman said and Julia flinched She turned to Jesse, who stared at the woly, cynical mirth

“Good to see you, too, Mrs Alistair,” he said with terrible, fake cheer

“You monster, you have no business—”

“Have a good night,” he said “Give nes and Ron”