Chapter 4: Locked Out

The crack of it rang off the mirrors.

My head snapped sideways. My cheek went hot, then numb.

One of the tailors dropped his pincushion.

"How dare you," Mom hissed. "Your sister's happiness, and you come here to spit on it."

She lifted her hand again.

It never came down.

Mitch was between us.

I hadn't seen him move. He was just there, half-chalked jacket and all, his back to me.

"Mrs. Granger," he said. "Put your hand down."

Mom blinked up at him. Her smile came back.

"Mitch, sweetheart. This is a family matter. Molly is very dramatic."

"You hit her in my tailor's shop. In front of me. Over my engagement."

"She provoked it."

"She stood there," he said. "I watched."

He didn't raise his voice. He didn't have to.

The older tailor went and held the door open without being asked.

Mitch turned to Sadie.

"The ring."

Sadie closed her fist and pressed it to her chest.

"No. It's mine. Daddy gave it to me."

"It was never your father's to give."

"Then take it off me," Sadie said. Her lip trembled. "Go on. In front of everyone."

Mitch looked at her for a long second.

Then he stepped back.

"Mrs. Granger. Take your daughter and go."

Mom grabbed her bags. Sadie grabbed Mom's arm.

At the door, Mom looked back at me.

"Don't bother coming home tonight with that attitude."

The bell jangled behind them.

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