She Walked Out, and Ten Years Later She Showed Up With Expensive Gifts at a Twelfth Birthday Dinner

“What about Lily’s birthday dinner on Saturday?” Mark asked.

“Vanessa said she’s coming back at six to make you sign.”

“She’ll come back at six,” I said.

“What am I supposed to tell Lily?” Mark asked.

“Tell her we’re having roast beef and apple cake,” I said.

“And get yourself back on the highway and finish your afternoon lab.”

Mark studied me for a long moment, then bent down and picked his heavy backpack up off the floor.

“She’s going to make a scene in front of everybody,” Mark said.