How fast the lie had traveled caught me completely off guard.

“I went to pay the tent rental fee,” I said.

“I talked to a young server, and then George pulled into the driveway.”

“Look, Vanessa has it all completely under control,” Ethan said.

“You’re making her family uncomfortable, snooping around like that.”

“Did you sign off on a security list that keeps out your own family?” I asked.

The line went silent for three whole seconds.

The old grandfather clock in the hall ticked loudly.