The One Who Stayed — Episode 7

Ethan left, his face dark with fury. My birthday is next week. You have to come. He tilted his head and held my gaze for a moment.

It's a promise then. See you next week. For my birthday, Mom and Dad threw a huge backyard party. A crowd dragged Ivy to the lawn to play games. Someone set up a Bluetooth speaker and played an upbeat song.

Jake was the first to jump up and bust some moves. But the crowd quickly booed him off. Then he grabbed a bunch of wildflowers from somewhere. Flowers for a beautiful girl?

Ivy held her drink and gave him a quick glance. She turned and walked away without a second look. Ethan stood next to Jake, looking totally distracted. His eyes scanned back and forth through the crowd.