45

On the patio, at dusk, Henni sat outside with the boys inside for their naps, with Mack sitting on the couch right next to the door. She knew they were there before they made a sound. She turned their way and watched as the group of women walked into her backyard for the first time. “What a surprise,” Henni said with a smile. “I was expecting you a little later when it got darker.”

“You were expecting us?” Abby asked with a slight laugh. She still looked like she was put together, but her eyes were puffy, and it was plain to see she was the most upset of the group. Henni remembered that Gabe had completely left her a few hours earlier. This woman had lost the goal even more than the one who had never had it.

“When Gabe called this afternoon, I figured out your entire plan. It wasn't hard, you know.” Henni said. “I normally wouldn’t even play your game or