31

Gregory

I step out of my empty bedroom wearing my normal business suit. It's barely past five in the morning. Allison tends to sleep past eight. I move downstairs quietly and head toward the kitchen. Orin will have some coffee and toast ready for me, then I'll take my car to the office—

"Good morning, husband. What time do you usually head out?"

I stop in the kitchen door and stare.

Allison's sitting at the island. She's in a black pantsuit and black heels, her legs crossed, coffee and cereal in front of her. A paper's open and halfway folded to the business section.

I look over at Orin, who shrugs helplessly.

"I'm leaving shortly." I walk to the island and accept my breakfast. Usually, I'd eat in the car. Instead, I stare at my wife.

She puts down the paper. "Good. I'm ready when you are."

"I think you might be confused. Did our conversation last night give you the impression that you'd be joining me today?"

"No," she says, snapping the paper. "But I decided that you need my help."

I