He was rushing off to be with another woman, and he still couldn't resist playing the role of the thoughtful boyfriend.
He slammed the cab door shut and headed for the parking garage to drive to Queenie himself.
I watched the streets slide past the window in reverse. My heart was strangely calm.
When I got home, I walked straight into the bedroom and pulled out my suitcase.
Everything that was mine, I was taking. I wouldn't leave a single thing behind.
The doorbell rang.
The building's concierge stood outside, holding a garment bag.
"Ms. Sullivan, this is a same-day delivery for Mr. Henson. It just arrived."
I took the package and opened it.
Inside was one of Barret's custom-tailored suits.
And a note that reeked of perfume.
"I had no idea you kept the clothes I gave you all this time. Thanks for spending the night with me the other day. You're so sweet."
The other day was my birthday.
I'd turned down Marcella Walker and the rest of my girlfriends for a night out. I'd bought all of Barret's favorite dishes and cooked an entire spread at home.
I waited for the birthday surprise he'd promised me.
Instead, I waited until midnight and got nothing but a phone call.