Then the silence spread.
Carl’s expression changed.
David continued.
“We also want to wish Carl well with whatever comes next, since yesterday was his final official day with us.”
I stood up.
“What?”
David’s smile disappeared.
“Carl submitted his resignation three weeks ago.”
My entire body went cold.
Handover.
That was why he had used that word.
I stared at my husband.
“You resigned?”
“Laura—”
“You resigned from your job?”
“I was going to tell you.”
“When?”
“After tonight.”
David frowned.
“I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?”
“He told me you knew about the move.”
I turned slowly toward Carl.
“What move?”
Sheila closed her eyes.
There was more.
Of course there was.
Carl said quietly,
“Can we talk about this somewhere private?”
“No. Apparently everyone here knows more about my life than I do. So let’s finish.”
His shoulders dropped.
“I accepted another job.”
“Where?”
He named a city almost six hours away.
I stared at him.
“You accepted a job six hours away?”
“Yes.”
“And when exactly were you planning to tell me?”
“I hadn’t figured out how.”
Then Sheila spoke.
