Chapter 44

Rodger, Stephanie, and I decided on sushi, but none of us ate much. Then, we headed back to the house and I was already dreading it, knowing that Stephanie would take over my house. I took a deep breath.

"Leila, dear," Rodger said in a soft voice, bringing me back from my reverie.

I looked at him in the rearview mirror and lifted my eyebrows.

"Stephanie and I have decided to go to a hotel while we're here," he said apologetically. Then, seeing the look in my eyes, he added, "Now, before you say anything, it would be best for us to give each other a little space. Don't you agree?"

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, if you're sure "

"Yes, I am," he said as he pulled the rental car up in front of the house the house that belonged to Steven and me. As if reading my mind, he asked, "Will you be okay alone?"