Boston explained. “It’s as simple as that! You cannot believe how relieved I was to get home and find her note.” Boston frowned, thoughtful. “When’s the last time she missed a Friday night soiree?” “Like, never,” Danielle said. “It’s all my fault, you know,” Dempsey said. He finished pouring his root beer from the can into the glass of ice on the table before explaining. “After all, I’m the one who met her first. That job at Shea’s Café was the worst one I ever had…and Stephanie Crittendon is a big part of the reason.” “You guys,” Kara began, “I’m sorry…but I just have to say this. There’s a whole different atmosphere here tonight without Steph. I know it’s mean, but I was always waiting for something awful to happen whenever she was here. It seems like she was always mad about something or at somebody.” “I know,” Boston said, guilt expanding so rapidly in her chest she thought she might explode.
