"You’re serious?" Jack asked her. "I remember we wore blindfolds but I was so sure it was you because I remember you’re perfume."

Madeline scowled. "She’d asked if she could spray some on her. I think the tart was planning it the whole time."

"Damn," he swore.

She shook her head. "Well, that’s over now and we’re all grown up. I think I heard Kelly got married to Mark Lawford, the kid who used to be in band?"

Jack nodded. "Was. She’s divorced now and Band Boy’s daddy’s a banker so she’s getting a hell of a big chunk of change in alimony."

"So much for karma," she said in disgust.

"Yeah, I gotta say though, you came out of the deal better."

"Oh obviously. I’m an unemployed, homeless widow," Madeline reminded him.

"You’re a beautiful, creative woman who’s a fantastic mother. You’ve been dealt a terrible blow and you’re working on getting your life in order. As for homeless…" He reached across the table and took her hand. "… Cambridge was your home once and I really hope you’re going to decide to make it your home again. I can even help you start looking for a place once the holidays are over—"

Madeline felt a flare of panic at the desire that shot through her to let him do just that, to help her, to give in to the sweet knowledge that he wanted her to stay. She took her hand back gently and his eyes were sad.

"I don’t know, Jack," she whispered. "I don’t know if I even want to stay in Cambridge . I mean, L.A is where Katie was born. It’s where my career is."

"Come on, Maddie. You know as well as I do that you couldn’t give her a better childhood than here, especially compared to Los Angeles."
...