Page 234 of Taken Away

“That’s not why I locked myself in the bathroom.”

Anne waved a hand.

“Oh, honey, it was absolutely about the boots.”

“No,” Aubrey said softly. “It wasn’t.”

Bennett’s gaze moved from Aubrey to Anne.

Anne blinked, still smiling.

“Well, that’s how I remember it.”

Aubrey set her spoon beside her bowl.

“You forgot to pick me up from school that day. I sat in the office for almost two hours. We were late to the wedding because of that, not because of the boots.”

The room went still.

Anne’s smile faltered.

Then returned, thinner.

“I’m sure I had a reason.”

Aubrey nodded.

“I’m sure you did.”

Bennett said nothing.

Anne looked away first.

“Well.” She stood too quickly and began gathering bowls. “Anybody want coffee?”

“No,” Aubrey said.

Anne stopped.

Aubrey pushed back from the table.

“Dinner was good.”

Anne turned, and for one second, her face looked almost wounded.

“Thank you for making it,” Aubrey added.

Anne’s expression softened.

Then she ruined it by smiling too brightly.

“Well, I can still manage chicken.”

Aubrey reached for her purse.

Bennett stood with her.

At the door, Anne touched Aubrey’s arm.