WEDNESDAY
8:26 A.M. — CROFT ESTATE
ALLISON'S POV
Allison Croft had discovered something deeply disturbing about adulthood.
Apparently, nobody was going to stop her from eating cake for breakfast.
She stood in the kitchen, fork in hand, staring at the remaining slice of chocolate cake.
Nora stood beside the refrigerator, watching her with the quiet disappointment of a woman who had witnessed too much.
"Mrs. Calloway."
Allison froze.
"Nora."
"Is that your breakfast?"
Allison glanced at the cake.
Then at Nora.
"Depends."
"On?"
"Whether you're going to judge me."
"I'm considering it."
"Then it's a pre-breakfast appetizer."
Nora folded her arms.
"Your husband is going to ask whether you've eaten."
"I have."
"Cake."
"Chocolate comes from cocoa beans. Beans are plants. Technically, I'm eating vegetables."
Nora stared at her.
Allison smiled sweetly.
"Science."
From the doorway came a familiar voice.
"That's not science."
