Joe comes into the bakery later that day with his husband, a stranger in tow.

It's a little surprising to see a new face it's obvious how out of place he is and a bit jarring after the Jason debacle and my emotional trauma from this morning. But I give my usual cheery smile and hope no one notices my disconcertion.

Since Jason left, they've all be looking at me with a mix of dread and pity. I don't want to give them a real reason to worry about me.

"Hello," I greet, ...