"You know that right?"I didn't respond to her, for fear of what words I might say that would betray my thoughts."This is all a game Alex. It's all one...big game of fucking over, literally and figuratively. You are just a player in it, just like me, just like Natalie. You can't take this kind of thing personally if you value your sanity at all," So I should just harden up, and take my lumps as vixens and manipulative bitches like you plot my demise, is that it?" I said coldly, causing Kirsten's. . shall we say, judgment? What you need is a new ... arrangement in your marriage, one where both of you benefit from some side action, some strange booty.“As for you, Mrs. Mulhouse, you’re also going about this all the wrong way. He won’t simply stay married to you on your personal terms, so you kick him to the curb and try to rape him in court, to take him to the cleaners, as they call it? No, no, if I had been advising both of you all along, I would have counseled you to strike a bargain,. Is it wrong to find another man so attractive so soon? I can't believe you'd want me to continue to live as a widow for the rest of my life but am I showing you disrespect or a shallow love by being attracted to another man so soon? I loved you with all my being and will go on treasuring that love we had for each other for ever. It can never die but ... Will?'There was no answer but she prayed fervently that night when she went to bed. Again there was no answer and it took her a long time to go. She perched on the edge of the bench, half turned towards the girl; her head bent towards her, her hand rested on the girl's shoulder. What was happening? They moved and Grace's arms were round her; they were rocking together. I watched, and was half-way down my coffee when Grace waved to me.I somehow gathered up the buns and two cups, and crossed the green to them. Grace looked up and I handed her cup to her. She smiled and dipped her head, handing the cup to the girl, who sniffed loudly."Are.