It’d be different if you were a 23-year-old guy, but you’re not. We’re girls. It’s totally different.”

“You might be right, but I’d hate to bet my future on it. Can we just lie about that one part?”

“On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“We get to keep having sex.”

“Fine with me, but after today your mom will be watching you like a hawk. Not to mention she’s gonna keep us separated as long as you’re under her roof.”

She frowns. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Well, it’s something we ought to consider.”

She thinks a moment, then says, “All right.”

“All right what?”

“I still want her to know. Today. And Michael, too.”

“You’re sure?”

She nods. “I want them to hear you say you’re leaving Michael, and that you love me.”

“And what will you say?”

“I’ll tell them I love you and when I’m sixteen I’m going to move in with you…if you’d like that.”

“I’d love it, except I’m pretty sure you have to be eighteen to live with me against your Mom’s wishes.”

“Let’s look into it. But either way, I want them to know today.”

“Fine. You want to be there when I tell them?”

“Of course.”

“Are you gonna back me up about the sex part?”

She pauses. “I’m not sure yet.”

“When will you know?”

“Is it a condition for telling them?”

“No.”

“Then it doesn’t matter, does it?”

“I guess not.”

She cocks her head. “You’re really gonna tell them? You swear to God?”

“Yes.”

She stares at me. “You’re bluffing your ass off!”

“You’ll see I’m not.”

“I guess we’ll both see, soon enough.”

A voice says, “It’s right decision.”

We look up and see the maid standing ten feet away. How long she’s been there is anyone’s guess, but certainly long enough to offer her unsolicited opinion. “Always best to tell truth,” she says. Then adds, “Nice tits, both. Should I make bed now or come back?”

12.

11:45 a.m.

WE GET DRESSED, leave the room, walk around the lobby and mezzanine while talking about our feelings. Then Jess says, “I’ve been acting inappropriately since Daddy died.”

“Not true. I saw you shortly after it happened. You were grief-stricken.”

“I know, but since then.”

“Since then you’ve been trying to block it out, and that gave you the strength to tell me how you feel about me. It provided a welcome distraction for your stress.”

“Thanks, Doctor Hill. How much do I owe you for the consultation?”

“One kiss.”

She says, “You’re nice to phrase it that way, but we both know everything you just said is total bullshit. I’ve been selfish, thinking only of myself and what I want. I had a reason for it, but sometimes it feels like I’m spitting on Daddy’s memory.”

“I’m sure your dad wouldn’t want you to dwell on his death. He’d want you to be happy.”

“I hope so. But like I said, I had a reason for doing this now. Can I tell you why?”

“Please do.”

“When you asked if I knew the detectives were talking about you and Daddy having an affair I acted surprised, but they said that to me and Mom yesterday before you got to the house. Of course I stuck up for you, but I didn’t like what they said about you and Daddy, and I didn’t like what Mom and Michael have been saying about you, either.”

“They talk about me?”

“All the time. And not in a good way.”

“I thought your mom loved me.”

“She did, till you went back to Michael the last time.