Lex knocked on Hannah’s door twice. She stared at her shoes while she waited, replaying the sentences she had rehearsed in her mind one last time. She had been preparing for this moment since yesterday.

When Lex had texted Hannah yesterday morning to request a meeting asap, her cousin had suggested coffee at her place early the next day. Lex had eagerly agreed, secretly relieved to have one more night before she had to face Hannah.

The lock clicked. Lex ran a hand through her hair. She smiled, expecting to see her cousin, but was met with Milly’s bemused stare instead.

“Good morning,” Milly said cheerily.

“Hi Milly,” Lex replied, not able to keep the surprise out of her voice. “How are you?”

Milly stepped back and gestured for Lex to come in. “Great! I’m afraid Hannah is still in the shower.”

“Ah,” Lex said, wondering how much time Hannah usually spent in the bathroom. Being alone with Milly could get uncomfortable quickly. What if she started asking about Mary? It would only be natural to do so after seeing them together at the rehearsal.

“It’s my fault,” Milly said jokingly, closing the door. “I forgot you were coming over and took my sweet time in the bathroom.”

Charles, Hannah’s cat, poked his head around the corner. He froze when he spotted Lex. Lex waved at him, feeling a bit silly. He lowered his ears.

“Don’t take it personally,” Milly chuckled as she stepped into the living room. “Charles worships Hannah. The rest of us are the enemy.”

“I can see that,” Lex said, putting her coat on the rack in the hallway. She followed Milly and made sure to keep her distance from Charles.

“Feeling all better?” Milly asked.

Lex’s shoulders tightened. “Better?”

“Yeah, I heard you were sick,” Milly said. “Coffee, by the way?” She pointed at the coffee machine and walked into the open kitchen.

“Oh, yeah, all better,” Lex hurried to say, her mind racing. How on earth did Milly find out that she had been sick? She added, “No, thanks. I already had too much coffee today.”

Milly placed her hands on the countertop. Her lips curved up in a knowing smile. “Nervous about seeing the big boss?” she teased.