on the carpet and build Lego towers with her while I slept on the couch.
He never asked for anything.
That was what made accepting his help so easy.
And eventually, so dangerous.
“PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED”
The day before Gerald’s company pool party, Marissa caught me near the office coffee machine.
She handed me a mug, then said, “You know people have started noticing, right?”
I frowned. “Noticing what?”
“Gerald.”
“What about him?”
“He’s at your house constantly.”
“He was Nathaniel’s best friend.”
“I know.”
“And he’s helping.”
“I know that too.” She lowered her voice. “But he’s also your boss.”
I stiffened. “So?”
“So you’re a widow who works for him, and he’s basically become part of your household.”
I hated how ugly it sounded, said out loud like that.
“He’s being kind.”
“I’m not accusing him of anything.” Marissa leaned closer. “I’m saying people can’t see what’s in
