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The criticism reached too close to something true, which made it more difficult to defend against. “I’ve been busy.”

“You’re always busy when something makes you uncomfortable.”

Patty’s mouth was flat now, her eyes hard.

“You know,” Mom continued, “if you had a stable position in person somewhere, you’d meet coworkers. You could attend professional events. You might meet someone ambitious.”

“I know ambitious people.”

“Clients don’t count.”

I took a breath. “I’m happy with my work.”

“Are you?”

The question held enough doubt to make my confidence wobble. Before I could answer, Patty reached across the couch and took the phone from my hand.

I stared at her.

She held the phone up to her mouth.

“Actually,” she said brightly, “your daughter is seeing someone.”

My entire body locked. Silence came through the speaker.

Patty smiled at me.

I lunged for the phone. She stood and moved out of reach.

“Who is this?” Mom asked.

“I’m Patty. Sloane’s friend.”

My mother went silent again. Even I understood why. She’d probably assumed I had invented most friendships. Patty continued before my parents could recover.

“And she isn’t seeing just anyone. He’s in a major leadership position, set to inherit an entire street block, and has enough family assets that he could stop working tomorrow and still live comfortably for the rest of his life.”

I covered my face. Patty’s words were technically assembled from facts, but Hudson and I weren’t seeing each other. Were we?

“What leadership position?” Dad asked.

“Community leadership,” Patty said.

“What kind of community?” Mom demanded.

“A very private one.”

“Who is he?”

“His name is Hudson.”

My heart attempted to exit through my throat. I reached for the phone again. Patty pivoted away.

“He sounds established,” my mother said carefully.

“He’s extremely established,” Patty replied. “People call him for everything. Property issues, local disputes, family emergencies, infrastructure problems. He’s the most dependable man alive.”

I wanted the floor to open and swallow me.