Chapter 225

Just as we were about to slip out, Evan's mom, Mrs. Linden, strutted in through the main doors. She was all dolled up—big, bouncy curls, pale foundation, and lipstick as red as a fire engine. She was walking arm-in-arm with two other women, chatting and laughing loudly as they entered. I caught sight of her first and immediately grabbed Evan's arm. "It's time to go!" I whispered, pointing toward the back exit. Evan glanced over his shoulder, and his eyes went wide. He looked like he wanted to dive under the table. Before we could escape, though, Mrs. Linden spotted us, and her face went from surprise to fury in two seconds. "What are you doing here, Evan?" she snapped, practically stomping over to our table. "Are you skipping school again?" Evan stopped in his tracks, stepping in front of me protectively. "What are you doing here?" he asked defiantly. Mrs. Linden's gaze landed on me, icy and full of contempt. She scoffed. "Oh, so Ms. York thinks she can just steal one of my s