Chapter 27

Days drifted by in a steady rhythm of routine and revelation, and before long Zoe found herself playing the role of Cassandra’s personal counselor—much to her own chagrin. Since the moment Zoe had handed Cassandra that carefully crafted list, the one outlining every tender advance and intimate overture Cassandra needed to make if she hoped to dispel her lingering doubts about her husband’s sexuality, Zoe had become, in Cassandra’s mind, the undisputed Guru of her romantic fate. Cassandra, ever the confidante in their friendship, fed Zoe a steady diet of every triumph, every stumble, every flutter of fear that stirred in her heart, no matter how trivial or profound.

What had once been a quiet midday meal—an oasis of calm where the two friends could share a sandwich and exchange idle gossip—had metamorphosed into something more akin to an impromptu therapy session. Zoe, still clutching her lunch tray with the air of an unwilling audience, listened as Cassandra poured out her anx