Alice was enjoying a lovely lunch with Roger; she wasn't scheduled to work until 2 PM. This was their third or fourth lunch since he'd helped her move into her new apartment. She'd come to realize he was exactly the kind of friend she'd always wanted—a pity she'd never really spoken to him during shareholders' meetings. She could have used a friend like him sooner.

Spending time with Roger was a welcome distraction from the looming weight of her divorce. Brock kept trying to renegotiate the settlement in his favor, but Alice's lawyer wouldn't budge. He was determined to get her a fair deal, and she was grateful, but she hated the drawn-out process. She longed to be free from the Kellys forever.

Alice had done her time. She was ready to live her own life. Was she still adjusting to her new lifestyle? Absolutely. But anything was better than being Brock Kelly's wife in name only. His mistress reaped all the benefits of his affection without the drawbacks, like dealing with his in-laws. Alice couldn't help wondering if he would marry her. She'd heard he had multiple mistresses, but his longest-standing relationship was with his high school girlfriend.

She'd wasted precious time on such a man. Her next marriage would be to someone completely devoted to her.

"Well, if it isn't Alice Wheatley," a suave voice said from behind her. "Fancy meeting you here. Mind if I join you?"

Alice whirled around, her eyes widening at the sight of Graydon Meyer. Just weeks ago, she'd found a debonair man like him appealing, but now, his interruption annoyed her. She wanted him to leave but didn't want to be rude, so she turned to Roger. His usually cheerful face was impassive as he replied,

"I don't mind. I'm Roger Clark."

He extended his hand, and Graydon shook it. "Graydon Meyer. Pleasure to meet you."

"How do you know Alice?" Graydon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We were both shareholders at Hale Investments until recently."

"Ah, so you met through Aaron. How interesting. So did we," Graydon said, flagging down a waiter and ordering water and a menu.

Roger turned to Alice, surprised. "Was this when you were staying with the Hales?"

Alice nodded, feeling embarrassed. "Keeley and I were getting manicures and were mobbed by curious onlookers. Graydon rescued us and took us home."

"I didn't realize you were so friendly with Keeley," Roger said to Graydon. "Aaron isn't the easiest person to get close to. I've worked with him for six years, and my opinion of him has recently shifted dramatically, making me realize I knew nothing about him."

Aaron was indeed difficult to get close to. Alice probably saw him more than any other shareholder except Cameron, and even she hadn't known he'd married his high school sweetheart. It wasn't that he deliberately kept things secret as a defense mechanism; he simply didn't bother to inform people unless absolutely necessary. He certainly bragged about his wife to anyone who'd listen, so it wasn't out of embarrassment. Alice wished someone would speak up for her like that. Brock didn't even bother to insult her most of the time; he was completely indifferent.

"He is quite an interesting one," Graydon chuckled.

"I take it you've spent a lot of time with him?" Roger asked.

"I wouldn't say a lot…he only discovered my existence last fall. But we've met quite a few times since then. His family is lovely."

Aaron's family was lovely. Alice missed staying with them. The babies were adorable, and Keeley was such a bright, happy person. She could lift anyone's spirits. But the constant public displays of affection she'd witnessed made her grateful for her own space, tiny and cramped as it was.

"I've only met Keeley twice, but she seems like a really nice person," Roger said with a shrug.

Alice smiled at him. She could practically hear the unspoken, "I have no idea how such a nice person ended up taming the ice devil." Most people were initially baffled by Aaron and Keeley's relationship, but she understood it now. Aaron had been lonely growing up, and his wife filled that void. She was happy for them, wishing she could experience something similar.

She drifted off, losing track of the conversation. What would it feel like to be truly loved? Could she be as happy as Keeley and Aaron? They were obviously in love, but their relationship went deeper. They were best friends, they trusted each other, they were a team—none of which had been true in Alice's marriage.

Being married to your best friend must be wonderful. But Alice didn't even know what having a best friend was like. Aaron was a friend, but not a best friend. If anything, Roger was the closest she had right now. She'd seen Marissa and the Hales once each since moving, but she saw Roger most often. Considering someone you've only hung out with a few times your best friend is, admittedly, sad.

Alice watched Roger and Graydon talk. She could see how Aaron might perceive Graydon as insincere, perhaps in comparison to Roger's straightforwardness.

She was about to take another bite of her chicken salad when two officers, flashing badges, appeared beside the table. Startled, she dropped her fork, scattering food.

"Graydon Meyer, you're under arrest for the murder of Lacy Knighton. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."

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