As they approached the car, laughter rang out from behind them, followed by a voice dripping with mockery.
"Wow! Not even stopping in the parking lot, huh? Is this a new low or a bold new trend?"
Esme froze mid-step, her head snapping around toward the source of the interruption. But before she could utter a word, Ray, in what could only be described as the betrayal of the century, shoved her away with the force of someone throwing out expired leftovers.
"Ray!" Esme shrieked as she stumbled backward, arms flailing in a desperate (and utterly useless) attempt to stay upright. Gravity, as usual, had other plans. She hit the ground with a graceless thud, the asphalt scraping her palms and sending a jolt of indignation straight to her core.
