Joe stood between his hopeful future and his dismal present. One day, he might be the one whose neck was muzzled by Kate. On the other hand, Adam had wormed his way out of bigger confrontations. And, Joe was pretty sure that Adam could beat him up if he felt so inclined.

“Don’t be ridiculous,â€? Adam scoffed. “I’m going apartment shopping, aren’t I?â€?

“And for two months, you haven’t liked a single one,â€? her voice was soft but strong.

Amen, Joe thought.

“I liked that one on Maple.â€? Joe rolled his eyes. The apartment had been a mistake. Another realtor had listed, and Joe had just met these two, so he thought the place might be okay. “You’re the one who invented issues with it.â€?

“Invented?â€? Kate’s disbelief could have just as easily come from Joe. “You liked it because you knew we wouldn’t get it.â€? Her perception startled Joe; even he hadn’t thought of that.