Under the Grit

You Oughta Know

Evangeline leaned back in her chair, the warm afternoon breeze brushing against her skin as she savored the last sip of her mimosa. Around her, the conversation was lively, filled with the kind of laughter and teasing that only came from years of friendship. They were the only group on the patio, their voices carrying softly in the quiet, sunlit space.

"Okay," Abigail said, setting her glass down with a satisfied smile. "That was officially the best brunch I've had in months. We need to do this more often."

"I'll drink to that," Karen replied, raising her empty glass in a mock toast before leaning back in her chair. "But next time, let's find a place that doesn't charge an arm and a leg for a side of bacon."

Sadie smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned against the table. "You're just mad because you went for the third mimosa."

Karen shrugged, unbothered. "Worth it."

Mary-Beth laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Honestly, this was perfect. We've all been so busy lately. It's nice to just sit and catch up."

"Agreed," Tilly chimed in, her smile warm as she glanced at Evangeline. "Especially since someone has big news to celebrate."

Evangeline felt her cheeks flush as all eyes turned toward her. "It's not that big," she said modestly, though the pride she'd been feeling all morning was hard to suppress.

"Not that big?" Abigail echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Girl, your professor wants to submit your story to the news. That's huge!"

Sadie nodded, her tone more serious. "You should be proud, Evangeline. What you're doin' matters. Don't downplay it."

Evangeline smiled, gratitude filling her chest as she looked around at her friends. "Thanks, guys," she said softly, her voice steady even as her thoughts began to drift.

She knew she should feel excited-celebrating with her friends, hearing their unwavering support-but worry gnawed at the edges of her mind, refusing to let her fully enjoy the moment. The memory of Ben not answering her call that morning lingered, casting a shadow over her mood. He hadn't even bothered to send more than a curt text saying he was busy, offering no explanation, no reassurance. The coldness of it had felt deliberate, a way to keep her at arm's length.

Where is he? The question clawed at her, bringing with it an uncomfortable truth she didn't want to face. Her mind wandered to Lacy, the woman she'd met only a few times but knew too well through fragmented messages and the faint perfume left on Ben's clothes. The thought of them together made her stomach churn, her mimosas sitting heavy in her gut.

She tried to shake it off, forcing herself to stay present, to focus on the warmth of her friends' laughter and the golden afternoon sunlight filtering through the patio's canopy. But it was no use. The worry sat there, stubborn and unyielding, making her feel like a stranger in her own celebration.

"Earth to Evangeline," Tilly said, leaning forward and snapping her fingers playfully in front of her face. "You still with us?"

Evangeline blinked, startled out of her thoughts. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry. I was just... thinking."

"About your story?" Mary-Beth asked, tilting her head.

Evangeline hesitated, then shook her head. "No, it's nothing. Just... tired, I guess."

The excuse felt hollow, but her friends didn't press. She mustered a smile, hoping it was enough to keep them from noticing the weight of her worry. As they continued talking, she couldn't help but glance at her phone sitting on the table, willing it to light up with a message that would ease her mind. But the screen stayed dark, and the unease lingered, wrapping itself tightly around her chest.