I made spaghetti with garlic bread and a salad, something uncomplicated and filling for supper. Jolene and Tiffany were there a few minutes before seven. Jackson arrived a few minutes after. He'd taken time to shower and change into fresh clothes, a polo shirt and jeans. I invited him in and thanked him for coming, introducing me to Tiffany. He hugged Jolene, greeting her like the old friend she was. He shook Tiffany's hand.

"Do you want wine with your spaghetti? Or I have juice or Diet Coke?"

"I'll have one glass of wine and ice water please. I don't want to drink too much."

Jolene had Diet Coke and...