"Oh," Josie said brightly, "you remember Marlene Johnson, don't you? Alec's mom. She's visiting for the holidays."
Marlene's face lit up the moment she saw Grace. "Oh my goodness, Gracie! Look at you—so grown up!"
Grace smiled tightly. "Hi, Mrs. Johnson."
"It's been so long! Your mom said you were doing well at college. You know, Alec always said you were the smartest girl in school." She leaned in conspiratorially. "And between us, I still think you two were perfect together. Such a shame it didn't work out."
Grace's throat dried, and she forced out a polite, "Yeah, well... things change."
Josie's eyes flicked over to her daughter, sensing something shift. "Grace?"
Grace shook her head and stepped back. "I'm sorry. I just... I need some air."
Marlene blinked. "Oh dear, is it the fl
