A couple of days later, Amy was washing the breakfast dishes right after Johnny and Faye and Justin had left. Ed was drinking coffee, sitting at the table, and making small talk.

"Amy, it's been awhile since we talked. You can tell me if it's none of my business, but I just wondered if things are better..."

Amy felt herself blush and was glad that her back was to her father-in-law. "I guess you could say they're better," she replied, without enthusiasm.

Ed could tell from her tone that things were not really much, if any, better. "If you'll pardon the observation, Amy... I never see you two kissing or...