We lay around by the ocean. My dad and great-uncle go fishing sometimes, and my great-aunt takes me shopping.” Laurel paused long enough to take another bite of potatoes. “Sounds lovely,” Anne said. Jake remained silent. Anne told herself she shouldn’t be surprised. He’d been nothing but silent since they’d sat down to eat almost an hour before. Laurel had chattered on about school and the friends she’d left behind in Dallas. Anne had explained a little about her job, but Jake hadn’t said a word. “We’ll spend a week there,” Laurel said after she’d wiped her mouth with her napkin. Her smile faded. “Then we’re going back to Colorado.” “You make it sound like you’re going back to prison,” Anne teased. “Worse. At least in prison you get time off for good behavior.” Laurel stared at her plate. Anne toyed with her wineglass.
