Chapter 11: The Apology
By checkout morning, the humiliation had finally done its work.
The Flamingo Six left first, after hugging the children, terrorizing the bellhop with unsolicited dance advice, and promising Carol that they still had her location.
Sam said very little as he loaded the car.
Jennie kept wiping her sunglasses even though there was no dust on them.
The ride home began quietly.
For miles, only the sound of tires against highway filled the car.
Then Sam finally spoke.
“Mom.”
Carol looked out the window.
“Yes?”
His voice cracked.
“I’m sorry.”
Jennie swallowed hard.
“I am too.”
Carol nodded slowly.
“If you had asked honestly,” she said gently, “I would have watched those children all week.”
Sam’s eyes filled with tears in the rearview mirror.
“I know.”
“No,” Carol replied softly. “You didn’t.”
The car went silent again.
Because this time, everyone understood she was not talking about childcare.
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