“Don’t thank me yet. We still have to get through David and Lothair,” said Billie. “But we’ll get through it together. You and me.”

Just like before, when we were going to run away together. “Yeah. You and me.”

As Billie retreated, I looked to the other three, wondering if they would confront me with their personal qualms as well. They just backed away, returning to their spots on the couch in the living room. I hovered nearby, unsure of where I belonged, and ended up sitting ...