“It is the principle of the timing,” he said. He looked toward the kitchen doors as the bell chimed. “As soon as the judge signs off on the preliminary division, we can put down a full year of rent in advance.”
Our plates arrived, but the grilled cheese sandwich looked dry under the thick yellow cheese.
“Brenda asked about the lease renewal for my duplex,” I said, keeping my voice quiet. “She needs an answer by December first.”
“Don’t sign it,” Jack said, his tone smooth and quick. “We are going to be in the townhouse long before the frost hits the ground.”
He patted his coat pocket and stood up to pay the bill. The total came to thirty-two dollars, and he laid two twenties on the table without waiting for change.
By three o’clock, the rain had started, streaking the high windows of the marketing firm storage room. I was stacking back issues of the winter catalog when Thomas, my older brother, came in holding a blue folder.
“He is still using the old address, Rebecca,” Thomas said, closing the heavy wooden door behind him.
