She said you were complaining about the tea they gave you.”

I stared at my son.

The lie was flawless, and it had gotten to him before I even had a chance to open my mouth.

“I didn’t complain about anything,” I said.

“I spilled my cup, and the young man helped me.”

The boutique door swung open.

Vanessa came out onto the sidewalk in her regular clothes.

She was carrying a sleek shopping bag.