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plain wasn’t attracted to her.
    And since seeing Skylar, Cassie was sure she wasn’t Jeff’s type. His wife, Lillian, had been thin and athletic. Skylar was also thin, although not from athletics. But, like Lillian, Skylar was tall and sure of herself and…
    Skylar was all the things that Cassie wasn’t, she thought. Cassie was short and curvy, and she wore whatever was comfortable and could be washed in the machine. Skylar was sophisticated, a woman who had been places and seen things, whereas Cassie had done little in her life.
    Whatever the reason, it was obvious that, as a woman, Cassie was of no interest to Jeff.
    Cassie stayed in her room for over an hour, waiting until after they’d left and she could go downstairs and not be seen. Thomas had cleared the breakfast dishes off the table, but the kitchen still needed to be cleaned. Cassie started on it, then threw down her cloth. It was only a matter of time before Jeff would marry Skylar and Cassie would be out of a job, so why was she still trying to be a “pretend wife” to a family that would soon be gone from her life?
    She went through the mudroom and out the back door, then through the trees of the conservation area. She was almost to the beach before she saw that Dana Craig was there. Cassie’s impulse was to turn around and leave, but Dana had already seen her. Dana was exactly the kind of woman Cassie’d always heartily disliked. Dana was the woman who ran every charity event, who organized every happening at the club’s recreation center. She was the woman who never made a mistake. Her husband was perfect; her home was perfect. Women like Dana had no visible flaws. Cassie thought that Dana was the suburban equivalent of her mother.
    Cassie gave a weak smile and a little lift of her hand. It took all her strength not to turn around and go back to the house. Jeff kept a car, a yellow MINI Cooper, just for Cassie’s use. She should go to the farmers’ market and buy what they needed for the coming week. She should wander around Colonial Williamsburg—there was always something interesting going on there. Or maybe she could call her mother. Most anything was preferable to spending time with the perfect Dana.
    Cassie drew in her breath and sucked in her stomach. What she should really do is go to the gym. “Hello,” she said.
    â€œI didn’t think anyone would be here today,” Dana said. “If you and Elsbeth want the place, I’ll leave.”
    Cassie motioned behind her. “It’s just me. All of them went sailing.”
    â€œAh, yes, of course. They went with Skylar on Roger’s boat.”
    Cassie looked at Dana, with her hair neatly arranged in a short, flattering style, in her pressed chinos, and her tasteful knit shirt, and again resisted the urge to run away. “You didn’t want to go with them?”
    â€œNo. I’m not good on boats. And you? I mean, that is, if…”
    When Dana hesitated, the hairs on the back of Cassie’s neck stood up. What Dana meant was that maybe Cassie hadn’t been invited. After all, she was just a paid employee. Not family. “I was invited,” Cassie said and tried to unclench her teeth. “But I wanted Jeff and Elsbeth to have time together.”
    â€œYes, of course. And Skylar too. She’ll soon be part of the family. I was wondering if they’ve announced their engagement yet.”
    â€œNo,” Cassie said softly. “At least I haven’t been told of it.”
    â€œBut you think it’ll be soon?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Cassie said, and wanted to throw sand at the woman. “I just came out here for some air. I have a lot to do today, so I’d better go.”
    â€œI didn’t mean to offend you,” Dana said. “I know how it is between you and Skylar, but I’m sure you’ll find another job right away. I’m sure Jeff’s reference will