“I can’t,” I said.
Silence.
“What?”
“I can’t come back tonight.”
“Marla, this isn’t a good night to suddenly become unavailable.”
“My daughter has something at school.”
Another pause.
You told me yesterday you’d finish the account.”
“I did finish it.”
“And now I need you here.”
“I can’t.”
Caroline exhaled sharply.
“You’re putting me in a very difficult position.”
I looked at Tessa’s backpack.
“I understand.”
“If you leave us hanging tonight, we’re going to have a serious conversation tomorrow.”
My stomach twisted.
But for once, I didn’t change my answer.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“I still can’t come.”
I hung up before I lost my nerve.
At 5:52, I walked into the school auditorium.
The lights were already dimming.
I slipped into a seat near the back and searched the stage.
There she was.
Tessa stood in the second row wearing a white choir blouse.
