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evening?” Tyson nodded his agreement and walked over to Ben’s desk. “Janelle, give me a few minutes to get some things put away and then we’ll head out.”
    â€œI just have to go by my house and pick up my suitcases. I left them in the foyer. Also, I borrowed Mrs. Ivers’s car, so I’m going to need a ride to the big house.”
    â€œI’ll take you.” Tyson spoke up quickly.
    â€œNo,” Janelle said just as fast. “No, that’s okay.”
    â€œShe’s right, Tyson. It’s late. I’m sure Mrs. Ivers needs to get home and your daughter needs you there now.” He turned to Janelle. “I’ll meet you at your house when I finish up here. It shouldn’t be too long.” He kissed Janelle’s forehead.
    Janelle nodded and walked out. Tyson grabbed his briefcase and followed. They shared the elevator down to the first floor and exited the building together. Each got into their respective cars and drove away in the same direction without a single word.
    So much for a holiday at home,
she thought to herself as she drove off.

Chapter 4
    T wenty minutes later they arrived at her town house. In silence side by side, Janelle and Tyson walked up the short path to the front door. As soon as they got to the top step they stopped. Standing beneath the security lights over the door, each had a front-door key in hand. “You go ahead,” she said, motioning for him to step up and open the front door.
    â€œNo,” he said, stepping back. “Please, it’s your home. After you.” She put her key in the lock and turned the latch. “Are we just going to ignore this and pretend?” he asked.
    â€œI’m tired, Tyson. I don’t feel like playing games tonight.”
    â€œThis isn’t a game, Janelle,” he assured her.
    â€œFine, let’s pretend. How about we play a game called ‘truth or truth’?”
    He sighed. “I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.” His eyes sparkled beneath the lights.
    â€œI can’t believe you. One day you were there, we were talking about getting married and starting a life together, and all of a sudden the next day you were gone.”
    He was stunned by her comment. “Janelle, my leaving had nothing to do with what I feel for you. It was about me. I needed time. I needed to go. But when I came back you were gone.”
    She scoffed. “What a surprise, and so convenient. At least be original. Isn’t that always the go-to excuse? ‘Oh, no, baby,’” she mocked, “‘it’s not you. It’s me. It’s not that I’m through with you now, or that I was just using you to kill time. I’m just leaving you to go back to my real family now.’”
    â€œIs that what you think? That I had another family someplace else? That I left you because I was through with you?”
    â€œAre you going to seriously stand there and tell me I’m wrong with your daughter and probably your wife waiting inside?” She stopped suddenly. The thought of coming face-to-face with Tyson’s wife sent a stunned shock wave through her system.
    An instant later the door opened. Janelle held her breath. Mrs. Ivers stood there, smiling at them. “I thought I heard voices. Why are you two standing out here in the cold? Come on inside.”
    â€œGood evening, Mrs. Ivers,” Tyson said.
    â€œHi, Mrs. Ivers. Thank you so much for loaning me your car.”
    â€œHello, Tyson. Janelle, is everything straightened out?”
    â€œYes, I’m going to stay at my dad’s house for a while. I just came back to drop off your keys and pick up my luggage.” Janelle handed her the car keys.
    â€œOh, dear, I already put your bags upstairs in the master bedroom. I can go get them.”
    â€œNo, no, that’s okay. I’ll get them,” Janelle said, walking toward the stairs quickly. Then she stopped and turned.