“I fainted when I saw Tina in the garage. Did you find me there?”

“Kelly you were asleep on the couch when I got here. I didn’t touch you, I didn’t touch your car, and I didn’t touch the liquor. Why don’t I fix you a sandwich? You’ll feel better once you eat something. I’ll stay with you tonight OK?”

***

Jodi walked Kelly to the den where they kept the liquor cabinet and it was stocked as usual. Kelly grabbed a glass and poured a drink before they walked out to the garage to check on her car. It was fine; no flat tires. Jodi convinced her that she probably fell asleep on the couch and dreamt everything. At this point Kelly didn’t know what was real and what was imagined so she just sipped her drink and went along. She was just glad Jodi was staying with her. She didn’t want to be alone.

“You know Kelly. I was thinking maybe you should go back to London for a while. You’ve really been neglecting your business and maybe if you got back to work it would help. This way you can get away from all these reminders of Tina. I think you’re obsessing and I’m really getting worried.”

“Will you come with me?” Kelly asked hopeful that they could both get away and be together in London.

“You know I have my work here Kelly. Maybe I can join you later but for now I need to stay in L.A.”

“You’re just trying to get rid of me so you can be with her aren’t you?”

“Kelly for the love of God.”

“God; what do you know about God?”

“Cut it out.”

“How many others have there been?”

“None.”

“YOU’RE A ROTTEN LIAR.”

“Keep your voice down.”

“Why should I … you afraid people might get to know the real Jodi Lerner? I’m going to talk to Tabitha.”

“She’s not home and when she gets back you’re not going to say anything to her do you hear me?”

“You just need to get her out of our lives.”

“I won’t… you know what Kelly … I’m sick of you; your demands; you’re stinking whiskey breath. You’re disgusting.” Jodi’s words are meant to sting, but Kelly’s beyond caring. She’s drunk but coherent.