“Lots of times. Daddy said she was helping with his big work thing.”

Across the patio, someone dropped a glass. Richard’s jaw tightened.

“Your big work thing,” he said quietly to Daniel.

Vanessa let out a small laugh, but it sounded thin and brittle.

“She’s four. Children confuse things.”

May frowned immediately.

“I don’t confuse things. You wore the red shoes.”

Vanessa’s laugh disappeared. Her perfectly composed face flickered for only a second, but it was enough. Her hand moved to her throat. She glanced at Richard, then away.

“I…” she started.

“And you told Daddy the blue folder was in your car,” May continued.

Richard’s eyes shifted slowly toward Vanessa.

“The blue folder,” he repeated.

Vanessa’s jaw tightened. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. The color had drained completely from her face.

Daniel grabbed lightly for my arm.

“We should leave,” he whispered.

I stepped away from him.

“No,” I said. “I think you should explain why our daughter knows more about your work than I do.”

I looked at Daniel’s face, and for the first time in eight years, I no longer recognized the man I had married.

I stared at my husband, and something inside me shifted permanently.

“What phone?” I asked again.

May looked confused, like the adults still were not understanding.

“Daddy’s shiny phone,” she repeated. “The one he keeps in his sock drawer. The pretty lady comes to our house when you take me to ballet. She sits on the couch and bites her ring and says, ‘Don’t worry, he’ll never know.’”

My entire face went cold.

Vanessa stood frozen in place.

Richard looked at his wife, then back at Daniel.

Daniel opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

I crouched beside May, keeping my tone calm even while my hands trembled.

“Sweetheart,” I asked, “when did you see Vanessa at our house?”

May shrugged casually.