Chapter 3

On Saturday, Daniel hosted a barbecue at his house.

The backyard was already packed by the time we arrived.

I had barely set down the salad I brought when I heard Serena call my name from behind me.

"Laurel!"

She walked over in a red dress with a glass of wine in her hand, smiling as she pulled me into a hug.

"I'm so sorry about the other night. I didn't find out until later that you and Evan argued because of me."

Several people nearby fell silent at once.

I looked over at Evan.

He was talking to Daniel by the grill, acting as though he hadn't heard a word.

"It's nothing," I said.

"I knew you wouldn't mind." Serena linked her arm through mine as if we were close friends. "Evan's always talking about how level-headed you are. I could never. I fall apart over everything."

It was supposed to be a compliment.

But for the first time, I despised being the sensible one.

When it was time to eat, I carried my plate over to Evan.

There was an empty chair on his right.

I was about to pull it out when Serena came up behind me and placed her wineglass on the table.

"Finally, food. I'm starving."

She sat down without hesitation.

Evan saw her do it.

And I saw him see it.

But he merely shifted to the side, making more room for her.

"Laurel." He pointed to the chair across from him. "There's a seat over here."

I stood there for two seconds before taking the seat opposite him.

The conversation quickly turned to college.

To all those years I had never been a part of.

Serena told everyone about the time twenty-one-year-old Evan got drunk and jumped into the campus fountain.

Daniel laughed so hard he nearly choked.

"You two were insane back then."

"We almost got married too," Serena said with a laugh.

The table suddenly went quiet.

Evan frowned.

"Serena."

"What?" She raised both hands. "Everyone already knows."

Then she looked at me.

"You knew that, right, Laurel?"

Of course I knew.

Evan had told me they had almost gotten engaged before graduating from college.

He had simply never told me their past was something she could pull out in front of our friends and turn into a fond little joke.

"I knew," I said.

Serena smiled.

"Good. I was worried I'd said something I shouldn't have."

After dinner, Daniel set up his phone for a group photo.

Everyone crowded together.

I had just started toward Evan when Serena stepped into the spot beside him.

She casually looped her arm through his.

"College friends should stand together."

Someone laughed.

I stopped where I was.

Evan noticed me, and his smile faded slightly.

He didn't pull his arm away. He only lowered his voice and said, "Laurel, don't make this awkward in front of everyone."

I stared at him.

"What did I do?"

"That look on your face."

My expression.

Again.

Serena didn't let go of him.

The countdown began.

Three.

Two.

I took a step to the side and moved to the outer edge of the group.

One.

The flash went off.

The moment was captured forever.

Serena stood beside my husband.

And I stood at the very edge of the photograph.

When it was time to leave, I didn't get into Evan's car.

I took out my phone and called an Uber.

"What are you doing?" He followed me outside.

"Going home."

"The car is right here."

I glanced at the front passenger seat.

Serena's red purse was sitting on it.

"You can take her home."

Evan's expression darkened.

"Laurel, stop making a scene."

My ride arrived.

I opened the back door and got in.

As the car pulled away, I saw Evan in the rearview mirror, still standing by the curb.

Serena walked over and stopped beside him.