Then I remembered what I saw yesterday downstairs. Stacey had been with a man, and something about it stayed in my mind. I looked at her and asked casually, "Was that your boyfriend yesterday? The one who came to pick you up?"
She froze.
The reaction was instant, like I had stepped on something she kept hidden. "What?" she asked, a little too quickly.
"The one in the black Cadillac," I added, watching her closely. "Tall, good-looking. Is he your boyfriend?"
It was just a simple question, but she looked uneasy.
I let out a small laugh to ease the tension. "I only saw you by chance. Why are you so nervous? Don't worry, I'm married. I'm not going to steal him from you."
Her smile came out stiff, not reaching her eyes. "Ms. Stovall, that's not it. You know I don't talk about my private life here." She paused, then added quietly, "Besides, most of the women here have agreed not to form bonds or have children within their first five years."
I understood what she meant.
