He wiped his cheeks. Margaret then faced Vanessa.
“Vanessa, did you threaten him?”
“I was angry.”
“Did you threaten to tell his coworkers he mistreated you if he left?”
“I wanted him to understand how much I do!”
Margaret glanced at the account of meal charges.
“By making him afraid of what you’d say?”
Vanessa flushed.
“You’re supposed to be my mother.” Birthdayparty planning
“I am.”
“Then why aren’t you defending me?”
“Because I need to understand what happened.”
Vanessa pointed accusingly at Ethan.
“He agreed to pay me!”
“He agreed to contribute to some meals,” Margaret replied. “That doesn’t mean he agreed to everything that followed.”
Vanessa swung toward me.
“Of course you’re taking his side.”
“I came here expecting to meet the woman he loves. Instead, I’ve learned he’s afraid to tell her he wants to leave.”
Vanessa rose from her chair.
