When had the famous message tree downsized from a statuesque acacia to a tiny tree encircled by a felt tack board? However, it comforted her to think of all the people from decades before who had left notes stuck to its surface. How many family, friends, and lovers had the message tree reunited? It was sad that she wouldn’t be so happily joined with her love. She’d been up since three in the morning replaying her interaction with Zak, reviewing the private investigator’s report, and rehearsing the conversation she was getting ready to have with Rikki. As the phone rang several times on the other end, she knew her performance had to be perfect because Rikki was always tuned in to her moods. Sara had assumed it was because she loved her. Now she knew it was a necessity of being an unfaithful partner. “Hey, babe.” The perky voice was a bit too high-pitched, an alcohol-induced condition Sara recognized from months of experience. “Rikki, I’ve made arrangements for you to visit next weekend.
