She Called Marcus Immediately

Marcus answered on the fourth ring.

“Hey.”

Claire’s voice shook.

“Where are you?”

“At home. Why?”

“I’m at the venue.”

Silence.

Then:

“Claire, why did you go there?”

That question told her almost everything.

“You said it was canceled.”

“It was complicated.”

“My sister is getting married here.”

Another silence.

Claire stepped away from the wedding guests.

“And she’s using my decorations.”

“Claire, please don’t make a scene.”

She nearly laughed.

“Make a scene?”

“Just leave. I’ll explain everything tonight.”

“No.”

“Claire—”

“You’re going to explain it now.”

Marcus sighed.

Then he said something she hadn’t expected.

“Your mother asked me not to tell you.”