He wanted to meet?

Mulling it over, she texted back, "I'm heading home. Meet me at the parking lot in half an hour."

“Sounds good."

In half an hour's time, at the designated meeting place, Brian pulled his car into a parking slot and unbuckled his seatbelt, ready to get out. But as he glanced across the parking lot, he noticed Rosalynn's car rounding the corner, parking in a space not far off.

He found it oddly coincidental that they both ended up returning home at the same time.

A flicker of relief eased the weariness in his eyes. As he was about to step out of the car, he caught sight of Barlow striding towards Rosalynn's vehicle.

Barlow rapped on the driver's window of Rosalynn's car. A moment Later, the passenger door swung open, and he slid in.

At the sight of this, Brian froze, his hand still on the door handle.

His gaze fixed on Rosalynn's car, his grip on the handle tightened.

Did they plan to meet in the parking lot?

They were meeting here secretly?

What secrets were they discussing?

Or was this some clandestine date?

Inside the car, Barlow sported a teasing smile.

"So, what happened after I left? Did your mother-in-law give you a hard time?"

Rosalynn sighed.

"Well, we're not exactly best friends right now."

Barlow let out a chuckle.

"If it came down to a fight, who do you think your husband would side with?"

Rosalynn shot him a glance and countered, "Did you enjoy the show?"

"Not bad," Barlow said, sarcasm dripping from each word.

"Well, aren't you going to thank me? I had to brainstorm a story just to save your hide. A simple ‘thank you' would suffice."