Nine Months. BEVERLY BARTON

to have any liquor. This—” she hoisted the carton of skim milk in the air “—is my drink of choice for the next few months.”

      Paige set the carton on the table, then opened the freezer compartment in her refrigerator and lifted out a small plastic container filled with ice cubes. “Here’s your ice.”

      Reaching across the table, Jared grabbed the bowl, transferred a couple of ice cubes into his glass and placed the bowl on the table. He filled the glass to the rim with the Johnny Walker, then pulled out a chair and sat down.

      “Sit down, Paige. We need to talk.”

      She hesitated for a split second, then nodded agreement and sat. Jared sipped on his drink, all the while watching Paige, waiting for her to say something. She didn’t say a word, just poured herself a glass of milk and drank it very slowly.