After that night, Ryan has kept his distance, speaking to me only when necessary. We have fallen into some strange sort of routine. Business meetings at my bakery, dinners at my place; occasionally, he takes Ash out for rides and to his office.

There have been questions and judgements, but I believe Ryan's handling them well, seeing as they have not become blown out issues. On my end, I live by the "I do not owe you an explanation" rule.

With each passing day, my fears are ...