In-home visits might be ‘risky business’

DEAR AMY >> My next-door neighbor “Sharon” and her husband “Stan” have been married for over 30 years and have two grown children. During the pandemic, Stan has mostly been working from home. His office is an hour away.

“Jocelyn,” his business partner of 25 years, has become close to the family over the years. Sharon tells me that Jocelyn occasionally spends the night at their house when there is an upcoming business meeting in our area, since she lives quite a distance away. They all seem to enjoy one another’s company.

We live in narrow, connected townhouses with adjacent front doors and porches, so we often see each other’s comings and goings.

A few times each year, Sharon goes out of town for the weekend.

Several times, when Sharon has left town, I have observed Jocelyn showing up within minutes of Sharon’s departure.

It almost seems as though she has been waiting around for Sharon to leave! Three or four hours later, she will emerge from the house and drive away.

Stan walks her to her car and makes some kind of loud pronouncement, like, “Well, now I have to get ready for my next meeting.”

He sounds awkward, as if the declaration is for others’ benefit.

Today my husband was sitting on our porch, so he witnessed this theater. We then discussed whether or not they might be having an affair.

My husband said that maybe Stan realizes that this looks incriminating, and he’s overcompensating for our sake.

Or maybe he IS having an affair.

I’ve lived long enough to know that sometimes things are just the way they seem. Why does this woman show up every time Susan leaves town?

I have kept my mouth shut for a few years now, but I would feel terrible if my suspicions turned out to be true. Should I say something to Sharon, and if so, what could I say that would not cause harm?

Or should I accept that this is none of my business? She is a warm, loving person and I value her friendship.

DEAR TOO CLOSE >> “Sharon” has already told you that “Jocelyn” is an occasional presence in their home. As her husband’s long-time business partner, you might assume that if suspicions were to be had, Sharon would have already had them.

You should not draw any further conclusions.

The next time Jocelyn comes around and “Stan” makes his overly loud pronouncement, you and/or your husband should give a hearty wave, introduce yourselves to Jocelyn, and put Stan out of his awkward misery.