with my name still attached to it.
The seat someone else had taken.
His jaw tightened.
“I saved that seat for my mother.”
The room became silent.
Completely silent.
Vanessa immediately smiled.
The fake smile.
The one people use when they realize others are watching.
“Oh, Daniel, honey—”
“No.”
He cut her off.
Not loudly.
Not rudely.
Just firmly.
The word landed like a stone.
Vanessa froze.
Daniel continued.
“I reserved that seat three weeks ago.”
Nobody moved.
“I personally wrote her name on it.”
Richard looked uncomfortable.
The principal
