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“Jade,” she said. “Have some updates for me?”

“Not really. I have questions for you this time.”

“Are you willing to trade again?”

“Maybe,” I said. “Can I sit?”

“Of course.” She gestured for me to sit across from her. Tommy waved back as I did. “I hear you and Gabriel have had a few interactions.”

I let out a long sigh. I knew she would want more information about him, but it felt like I’d finally gotten my head on straight. I didn’t need to think about him at all.

“Is that my hint that things aren’t going well?”

“He’s just my neighbor.”

“Oh, so we’re on that one again? That went very well when you were a teenager.”

“Whatever. I’m trying my best to keep my distance. He’s leaving any day now.”

“Are you okay?” Her words were softer this time, and they almost reminded me of my friends.

“I’m fine.”

“I doubt that.”

“I’m asking about you now. How’s your husband?”

Her smile fell. “The same as always. Busy.”

“Are you two okay?”

“I guess. He’s here when he’s here and when he’s not . . .” She shrugged. “I do my own thing.”

“That sucks.”

“He supports me financially. He doesn’t cheat. I can’t complain.”

“How much does he support you financially?”

Kerry blinked. “Just my living expenses. Why?”

“Is he really in the military? Did he maybe become an entrepreneur in the last few years?”

She stared for a long time and then laughed. “Very funny, Jade.”

“Seriously. What if you were rich?”

“If I were rich, then I’d have a brand-new Jaguar, not the Volvo I currently have. Now, why are you asking? Are you on some hunt?”

“N-no.”

She leaned in. “You are, aren’t you?”

“Please don’t say anything,” I begged. “I’m trying to figure out who the STM grant owner is.”

“You are?” She gasped. “And I was an option?”

“The grant went quiet for a bit, and it coincided with you taking Tommy to swim lessons.”