“Well, it’s over now,” said Natalie, who’d snuck in beside Evan.
Nobody really moved but a lot of glances were exchanged.
“Thanks for taking the heat,” Evan said suddenly. “...for all of us.”
Meris looked around. Shar was nodding.
“Yeah, thanks,” Sarah said.
Julia and Nat nodded also.
Meris looked to Candice and finally even she conceded.
“Lauren was keeping us divided,” she said. “It wasn’t good.”
Meris’s mouth flexed in a near smile.
Candice was the first to move and the group gradually broke up as the girls drifted off to their towels for a much needed rest.
Evan flopped to the ground beside Meris. “For a minute there I thought you were dog meat.”
“So did I,” Meris said. “I was afraid...”
“I know. Cowboys and Indians. Surprised me, though. You taking Lauren on that way. You
