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“For what it matters, my mom is certain it was him”

“And I’ Please tell her that I just believe she’s mistaken”

“That won’t help, but I’ll tell her”

Winona nodded She couldn’t think of anything else to say, so she got up “Well, I—”

He took her by the hand “I ain?”

Winona was surprised by that She turned slightly and looked at him, really looked, and what she saas a man she’d liked once, and wanted to love, but never had It freed so in her, that unexpected realization She’d seen love in that courtroom when Dallas looked at Vivi Ann, and Winona knew that hat she wanted She wouldn’t accept a watered-down version ever again “No,” she said,her voice a little soft “We didn’t fall in love,” she said “But I want to be friends, if you do”

He smiled, maybe even looked a little relieved “Friends with benefits?”

Winona laughed at that, thinking how good it felt to be wanted, and how e it was to say quietly, “I don’t think so”

Winona stared down at the latest court case on the unreliability of hair analysis, wondering if it was enough for an appeal

Her intercom buzzed

“Winona? Vivi Ann is here to see you”

Winona sighed “Send her in” Getting up, she went over to theand stared out The backyard reflected the change in seasons Deep autuhtness The petunias were ragged and tired, the roses leggy and untaone and she’d hardly noticed

In the , really Instead of curing her obsession, the loss had inflae of Dallas in prison And her weekly visits weren’t helping Dallas had given up completely, if in fact he’d ever actually believed in hope

“Hey, Win”

“Ironic thatat her sister She should have picked up her office Now Vivi Ann was seeing the rea open