Page 12 of The Logic of Loyalty

“Is it some sort of magic energy booster?” I could use a caffeine boost.

“No. Don’t be silly. Just order your coffee, and I’ll enjoy my dragon fruit lemonade mocktail. If you’re lucky, I’ll give you a taste.”

I roll my eyes at her excitement and pull up to Rosie’s. My stomach grumbles. Paige’s hours have gotten ridiculous, and our normal routine has been cut out as a result. Our morning spread of sausage, eggs, and toast or biscuits has been replaced by a quick muffin and to-go cup of coffee with a peck on the lips. As a result, my stomach is eating itself by the time lunch rolls around—another reason I look forward to these meals.

They show us to our table, and we fall easily into office gossip and subtle jabs at my father and his pompous manner around the office. Krista does this thing with her shoulders and chin when she imitates him, and I laugh every time. She slurps the remainder of her drink, then sits back and assesses me, her expression turning serious.

“How are you handling the news? I haven’t had the chance to ask yet.” I give her a what the hell look, and she gasps theatrically. “You don’t know? I can’t believe Paige hasn’t told you.”

Leaning forward, I wait for her to say whatever it is my wife was supposed to tell me. When she continues to stare at me with slow-blinking eyes, I lose my patience. “What? She hasn’t told me. What?”

Krista leans forward, clasping her hands together, then resting against them. “That Caroline left Josh.”

“What?” The fuck?

“Yeah, word is, she was feeling neglected because he was spending all of his time with his nanny and her kid since Carri had the baby.” Her voice stays low and controlled as she throws my brain into a tailspin.

“His nanny,” I repeat back to her.

“Yeah.” She places her hand on mine, and I rip mine away as I stand up.

“I believe they should be done back at the office.”

She stands mutely as I snatch the bill and take it to the counter.

“I hope you and your wife enjoyed your meal.”

“She’s not—” I start, but then temper my tone. “She’s my assistant.”

The young woman sputters out an apology, but I ignore it, write in my tip, and sign the bill. “No worries. Have a good day.”

Krista is waiting at the car, clearly anxious based on the way she twists her hands together. Again, I feel guilty. None of this is her fault.

“I didn’t mean to⁠—”

“I know,” I interrupt. “Don’t worry about it, Krista. You figured I knew. It’s not a big deal.” She visibly relaxes before I unlock the doors. “Let’s get back to work.” Spending all of his time with his nanny and her kid. My kid. “We have a lot to get done.”

She slides into the seat next to me and pats my arm. “Whatever you say, boss.”

The Subaru is gone when I pull up to the house. I bottle up the disappointment and check my phone.

Krista

Thanks again for lunch, boss. Sry if I upset you with the news about Josh.

I consider responding, but have nothing to add. Instead, I pull up Paige’s message thread, hoping I missed her response to my earlier message.

Trevor

Hey, baby. I miss you. I’m going to be home earlier than I have been. I’ll see you then! I’ll bring dinner!

Not even read. I sigh and climb out of the car, considering everything I just learned from Krista as I enter my empty house. Caroline quit, and Paige hasn’t told me. When did it happen? What was the actual reason? I drag my feet to the quiet main room of our house. Settling onto the couch, I lean back and close my eyes.

There is also that situation with Bethany earlier. Should I be worried, like Krista seemed to think? Would my sister turn it into something it’s not? Should I talk to Paige about it?

“What the fuck is there to talk about?” “Honey, I was talking to my assistant in my office.” How about “Honey, my boss’s wife left him because of me”? My mother and Krista’s mom asked me to make sure Krista is situated in her job, not left to her own devices, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Why would I want to waste time creating problems where none exist? I would never cross a line with another woman. I have no reason to bring it up when the thought of more has never even crossed my mind.