Chapter 12. Apartment

Julia

Today has been a different day than most. Almost every day of my life is exactly the same as the last day, so it is odd that I have broken from that norm. I ate my husband’s breakfast. I took a shower and fixed my hair, even putting on a little makeup. I put on a nice outfit, as if I had someplace to go. I didn’t. But for some reason, I felt a little more valuable than I had in a while, and I guess Braxton Merriweather had something to do with that, even if he doesn’t know it.

Even though I look nicer than normal and had eaten better than on an average day, I still have chores to do. I am washing the dishes when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I decide to answer anyway, something unusual for me. I think I may as well keep up this unusual day with an unusual telephone conversation.

I had no idea at the time just how right I would be.

“Hello?” I say as I drop my sponge into the sink and dry my hands, nestling the phone b