“Nothing,” Melva replied instinctively. “I was just finishing preparations.”

Simon’s frown deepened. It was obvious that he didn’t believe her.

“You don’t feel like it was nothing,” he said gently. “It’s written all over your face, Melva. Something’s wrong.”

She sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. Sometimes she hated how she could never keep her true emotions hidden. Being so transparent was, without a doubt, her greatest disadvantage.

“I’m just probably ...