Chapter Twenty-seven

Miller Electric.

It was what his dad’s business had been called. It was the same logo, with the little lightning bolt. It used to be painted on the side of Brother Miller’s truck.

Miller Electric. Enoch Miller.

Corinne set the card on her bedside table.

She’d gotten through dinner at her mom’s house.

When she’d gone back inside, all the men in the living room had acted very interested in the television. Alicia was crying in the kitchen. Holly was patting her back. When Corinne walked in, Alicia ran to her. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”

It’s okay, Corinne thought, you aren’t the one who slept with him.

“It isn’t your fault,” Holly told Alicia, obviously thinking the same thing.

“It’s all right,” Corinne lied. “It’s not a big deal.”

Later, Shawn caught her in the hallway and apologized. “I’m so sorry, Corinne. I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I didn’t know you were friends with him,” Corinne said. She didn’t think that any of the Millers spoke to anyone in her family.

“He changed congregations after his wife left him,” Shawn said, like he was defending himself. “He’s had a real rough time.”

“Alicia said.”

“He had to give up his place as an elder.”

“Shawn, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you for being friends.”

Shawn looked down. “Well. Maybe you should be.”

Corinne stayed until after dinner. She listened to their stories, she laughed at their jokes. Then she went back to her apartment. She took a shower, she got into bed. She held the card in both hands. Miller Electric. Enoch Miller.

Enoch Miller had had a real rough time.

Well.

So what.

So had Corinne.