Chapter 172
+25 BONUS
“Grandpa, what’s got you so mad? Is it because you think it’s not cool for me to be live -streaming my birthday party? I can shut it off right now–I just don’t want you to be upset…”
Evangeline did not even let Cole get a word in, quickly turning off the live–stream.
Cole was still fuming, his face a stormy shade of gray. “Evie, tell me, why didn’t Walter show up?”
Evangeline dreaded questions about Walter Panicking, she blurted out the same excuse she had used before to brush off her grandfather, “Remember? I said Walter was super busy today, he couldn’t make it…
“Don’t you lie to me!” Cole cut her off. “Just because I’m getting older doesn’t mean I’m clueless! Come clean now, I’m giving you the chance! The whole thing about you two wanting a kid, was that a fib to fool me? And if there’s anything else you’re keeping from me, spill it now!”
Trying to keep her cool, Evangeline gave an awkward smile, “I swear, I’m not lying to you, Grandpa.”
She blinked rapidly, silently pleading with her uncles for help.
Evangeline knew her uncles were all too aware of the drama between her and Walter:
Uncle Holden, ever the family’s guardian, was quick to come to her defense. “Dad, Evie’s always been nothing but good to you. Why would she lie? Can’t we drop the wild suspicions, please? And let’s not forget, today’s Evie’s special day, with everyone here to see…”
“So what if they’re watching? Does the Foster family stop living just because we’ve got an audience?”
Cole had battled his way through life; he was not about to be cowed by a crowd.
“Evie, you said you didn’t lie to me, right? So call Walter this instant. Tell him it’s your birthday and Grandpa’s calling him out. Busy or not, he better show up. I’ll be right here, waiting to see if he’s got the guts to skip!”
“Grandpa, we were all young once. Why put Walter on the spot?”
Evangeline’s lip trembled as she fought back her emotions.
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