Chapter 51

The night out lasted until 10:00 pm. Cynthia glanced at the time. She still had to pick up Yasmine from her dance class. Turning to Marvin, she said, "Mr. Gibson, I need to head back. I have some errands to run." Marvin rose gracefully. "Of course. It's not safe for young women to stay in bars too late. Let me give you a ride." "No need. Dolly has a car," Cynthia quickly replied, eager to avoid troubling him. Besides, the little incident from earlier was still awkward enough to make her uncomfortable. But Dolly, standing beside her, chimed in with perfect timing, "Oh, my car broke down earlier. It got towed by traffic police." Cynthia stared at her, exasperated. What a "great" friend Dolly was! Marvin chuckled softly. "Well then, it's settled. I'm heading back to Greenhill Manor, and it's on the way." He gestured politely, inviting both women to precede him. Cynthia couldn't find a way to refuse his gentlemanly offer. Resigned, she followed him to the car. Luckily, Yasmine's d