The white dress had been swapped for a white sweater, but I recognized that face.
"Ellie! Over here, sit down."
Her smile was sweet. Her voice was sweeter.
"Thank you for coming." She lowered her gaze and stirred her coffee. "I just started at the company, so there's a lot I don't know yet. I was hoping you could help me understand Mr. Delgado's dietary preferences."
"He doesn't eat cilantro or scallions," I said, lifting my cup.
"Right, right, I knew that." She covered her mouth with a little laugh. "He also won't touch carrots. Apparently he was forced to eat them as a kid, and now he makes a face whenever he sees one."
She knew. She knew everything.
I set my cup down.
"Assistant Henson, you didn't invite me here just to ask about that."
Her smile faltered for a second, then stretched wider.
"You really are sharp, Ellie."
She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. The mask came off.
"I'll just say it, then."
"Ellie, don't you think whatever you and Mr. Delgado have... has run its course?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like." She tilted her head. "There's no love left between you two. Instead of dragging it out, why not let go while you still have some dignity?"