Chapter 56

“Not on your life,” Janet said.

“I only said that,” Crystal said, “because I’ve known more than a few women who went through what you’ve just gone through, and then when the guy came crawling back, they felt pity or something. It never worked, at least not for more than a few weeks, and they were right back to square one.”

“Listen to her,” I said.

“Don’t worry, boss. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. In fact, I told you as much the day you told me about my promotion.”

“So you did.”

“If you guys will excuse us,” Carl said, “Jim and I have an office to finish painting.”

“We’ll go with you,” Crystal said. “I had no idea I’d get so much filming done this weekend, but it’s been great.”

They left, and we took Janet to retrieve her car and a few personal things that she’d left at Carl and Jim’s apartment. At the house, we gave her a key.

“You’re on your own,” I said. “We provide room and board, but not entertainment. You’ll have to amuse yourself.”