Ariana knew she had misspoken. She was upset with herself for saying it, but the words couldn't be taken back.

"Why did you bring up your sister's name?" the man asked, clearly trying to contain his anger. "Didn't we agree to start fresh?"

Ariana fell silent. She didn't know what to say. An apology wouldn't fix the situation at all, so she chose to remain quiet.

Gerald seemed reluctant to continue the conversation. He pretended to be engrossed in the meat grilling on the barbecue.

Soon, he ...