Chapter 2

I took Lily shopping that afternoon. She'd been wearing hand-me-downs from our old landlord's daughter for the better part of two years. I wanted to get her something that fit.

We walked into a children's boutique and almost immediately I saw them: Victoria and Hannah, with Julian.

The sales assistant was at Julian's elbow, cooing.

"Mr Ashford, Mrs Ashford — we just had these come in, they'd be perfect on Hannah—"

Julian laughed and tapped his card.

"Hannah wants it, so."

I steered Lily to the other side of the shop.

We tried things on quietly. By the time we came out of the fitting room, Victoria and Hannah had gone. Julian was waiting near the till, expression complicated.

"Today's Hannah's birthday. I was buying her something as a gift."

"That's kind. Give her my best."

He stared at me.

I turned to the sales assistant, who was watching us with uncertain eyes.

"Both outfits, please."

Julian put a hand on my arm. I slipped free immediately.

The assistant's gaze moved between us.

"Are you and Mr Ashford—?"

"We're acquaintances," I said pleasantly.

Behind me, something knocked over.

"Mr Ashford, your phone—"

I turned. Julian was staring at me. His chest was moving.

"What are you doing?" he said.

"Aren't you going to go celebrate with them?"

He kept staring. Then he followed me outside.

"Why are you letting them get away with calling her that?" His voice had an edge. "You used to lose your mind over things like this."

"You always said you wished I wouldn't."

He opened his mouth.

I said, mildly: "You're not going to answer Hannah's birthday question. She'll be waiting."

Julian's jaw tightened. He walked away.

I bought Lily two more things she'd been eyeing, and then we went for lunch, and then ice cream, and it felt strangely like the life I'd once had — before everything — where there was nothing to be afraid of and no one to account to.