Page 75 of After the Vows

Sheila? Why does the name sound familiar?

The girl fists her hands and glares at me as she stomps toward the door. Now I remember. Sheila is the little girl who bullied Natalia.

Her mom jumps to her feet and blocks the door. “No, the girl who hit my daughter is out there. She won’t be safe.”

I snort. “Safe? Your daughter has been bullying my Natalia all summer long.”

“My daughter is not a bully.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Said by all mothers of bullies all over the world.”

“Ladies!” Madison shouts. “This isn’t helping.”

“As if she’s a lady,” the woman mutters under her breath.

I might not be a lady but – contrary to public opinion – I know when to keep my mouth shut.

“Mrs. Wurth,” Madison growls.

“What? It’s the truth.”

I don’t know this woman and she’s being a bitch to me. No wonder her daughter’s a bully.

“This is not constructive,” Madison says.

“Let’s bring the children in so we can hear both sides of the story,” I suggest.

“There’s no reason to hear both sides! Your brat child punched my daughter! She should be punished. She should be kicked out of summer camp.”

The door flies open and August rushes in. “Sorry, I’m late.”

She has perfect timing if you ask me. Otherwise, I’d be the one in the hallway in trouble for punching Mrs. Wurth.

“Mrs. Hill,” Madison greets.

“Uh oh. We’re in trouble. Maddy’s using our surnames,” August whispers, and I bite my tongue before I laugh. “What happened?”

“Your daughter is a liar!” Mrs. Wurth screeches at her.

August growls. “Do not call Piper a liar.”

“She lied and said my precious Sheila pushed Natalia. Sheila would never push anyone.”

“Quiet down everyone,” Madison orders. “Before I phone the police.”

“Go ahead,” I say. “Contact the police.”

August giggles. “Words no one ever thought Chloe Summers would say.”

“The police are biased since this one,” Mrs. Wurth points to me, “is married to an officer.”

I inhale a deep breath and remind myself I can’t get away with smacking her even though I am married to a cop.

“Please get your finger out of my face,” I manage to say.

She wags her finger in my face. “Why? Does this bother you? Can’t handle it, can you?”

“Geez. I wonder where her daughter learned to be a bully from.” August taps her cheek.

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