Evelyn sat across from Teresa in their favorite little café near the edge of town. The warm scent of coffee and buttered toast filled the air, but neither of them was touching their food. Teresa had just taken a sip of water when Evelyn dropped the news.

“I got married,” Evelyn said.

Teresa choked. She coughed so hard that her eyes watered, grabbing a napkin and fanning herself like it would help clear the shock from her throat. “You what?”

Evelyn looked down at her mug and stirred the ...