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devoted her life to him. And yet things were most definitely not working out for good.
    Rachel put the bowl in the sink and finished her coffee preparations, then curled up on the couch with her favorite mug. She took a deep breath and focused her thoughts as she blew gently over the top of the brew. Her mind drifted to Daphne’s proposal. Regardless of their differing views, Daphne was the only person left in Rachel’s life that she could imagine talking with honestly. There was no pretense or posturing with Daphne. They were practically sisters. Daphne may have taken a path in life that Rachel disagreed with, but that didn’t mean she didn’t still love her dearly or value her friendship. And for once, Rachel was interested in hearing her friend’s suggestions on how to cope. Las Vegas was the last place she felt like visiting, but getting away for a weekend with Daphne could prove to be beneficial.
    She took a tentative taste and smiled as the heat moved down her throat . She took sip after sip, savoring the flavor, and let herself contemplate a weekend in Sin City. Considering the week she’d had so far, the word “sin” seemed to fit. Barbara, her mom, her dad—they’d apparently been living in their own versions of Sin City for some time now.
    By the time the mug was empty, she felt more prepared to face the day. And she was actually getting excited at the idea of the trip to Vegas. She resolved to shower and dress and give Daphne a call to hash out the details.
    What could it hurt?
    Rachel was halfway through her walk to Espress-Oh! when her cell vibrated in her pocket. “Don’t bother coming in,” said her boss when she answered. “The kitchen and stock room are flooded.”
    “Oh no!” She stepped into the shade beneath a storefront’s awning and leaned against the brick façade. “What about tomorrow?”
    “Plumbers are already here and working. They think they’ll have it fixed by seven or eight tonight. I’ll need you here tomorrow morning to help clean and get things back in order. Hopefully we’ll be open by lunchtime.”
    “All right then. See you in the morning.” After hanging up, she couldn’t help but smile. It was a gorgeous day, and she didn’t have to work. She tried calling Daphne but got her voice-mail. After leaving a message, she stepped back into the sunshine and crossed the street at the corner, making her way toward the used bookshop where she knew the staff by name. She deserved some serious pampering after the day she’d had yesterday.
    She left the overstuffed bookstore with a bag of literary treasures and made one more stop at a corner market for a bottle of water. From there she meandered to a park she always passed on the way to church, where a giant oak stood guard in the center surrounded by benches. She snagged the last empty bench, broke open her water, and pulled Jane Austen’s Emma from the paper bag.
    A few hours later a rumble in her stomach plucked Rachel from the fictional world. She stretched and tossed the book back into the bag before heading home. The beauty of the day, Austen’s eloquent English, and the giddy feeling of having started a good new book worked together to buoy her spirits. As she walked home she found herself feeling optimistic and content for the first time in two days.
    Patrick’s car was in the parking lot when she crossed through from the street. She did a double take, thinking it must simply be the same make and model, but there was the scratch on the fender and the Sports Chalet license plate frame around the familiar numbers and letters.
    But it’s the middle of the week. Her steps quickened as she smiled—this day was getting even better. Surprising me for lunch, maybe? How does he know I’m off work? She thanked God for the small blessing and headed up the stairs. Seeing her fiancé would be icing on today’s cake.
    When she arrived at her apartment, she was surprised to hear arguing inside. But when she opened the door,