"Very well," said Carl. He narrowed his eyes at her, then turned to Mark. "If we are going to do this, then let us begin. Come along."
Carl turned and strode off into the garden. Mark shot Ryan an unreadable look, then followed after Carl. Violet watched as Carl vanished. She felt as if he were disappearing for real, and she supposed in a way he was. At least, all those silly daydreams she'd had of him when she couldn't help herself. She used to dream of the two of them walking under an umbrella in the rain. The two of them adopting a puppy. She dreamed of Carl bringing her cakes when she was sad. That Carl, who she had secretly hoped cared about her, even if it wasn't romantically.
"Come and sit down," Ryan said.
She had not even noticed him moving, but he was by her side. He guided h
