She checks the caller ID and sees Andrew's name. She answers it, but all she can hear is static and the sound of rain pattering against a window.
"Hello?" she says.
"Hey," Andrew says. "A horrible storm just hit, and traffic is a nightmare. I think there may have been an accident. I'm afraid I'm going to be late."
Avery looks out the window in time to see a bolt of lightning flash across the inky sky. A rumble of thunder follows, and within seconds, fat raindrops are splattering against the windows.
"Okay," Avery says. "Drive safe."
She hangs up, trying to hide her disappointment. She doesn't want to hurt Rebecca's feelings, but she doesn't know how much longer she can handle making small talk in the living room. Lightning continues to flash across the sky, and the rain sounds violent and cold.
