Evan Blocked Her Path Instead

Claire tried to walk toward the house.

Evan stepped in front of her.

“You’re not walking away while everyone thinks I’m some monster.”

Claire answered:

“Move.”

“Just listen to me.”

Claire tried to step around him.

He moved with her.

Jenna immediately pushed between them.

“She said move.”

Evan put one hand out to stop Jenna approaching.

Jenna knocked his arm away.

“Don’t touch me.”

Evan backed up.

His heel caught the leg of a folding chair.

The chair toppled.

A tray of plastic cups fell with it.

That sound sent the entire yard quiet again.

Claire stared at him.

“You need to go.”

This time he did.

Madison Followed Him

At least Claire assumed she would.

Instead, Madison stayed.

Evan turned at the gate.

“Madison?”

She looked at him.

Then at Claire.

Then back at Evan.

“You lied to both of us.”

Evan said:

“We can talk later.”

Madison answered:

“No.”

She walked toward him.

And slapped him once.

Evan stared at her.

Madison said:

“That was for telling me your marriage was over.”

Then she walked in the opposite direction.

For the first time all afternoon, Claire almost laughed.

She hated that she did.