Rosa sucked in an angry breath and waited for Axel to answer. "That's it. I don't have to stand for this. Susan and I are never going to happen. The sooner you understand that the better. I'm with Rosa." With that he jerked her forward as he began to stride across the lawn.

Rosa looked back over her shoulder as Axel pulled her after him, only to watch his mother's shocked face follow their progress. They made it down onto the gravel and Axel continued walking as far as the garage. His mother had started to follow them. He released her hand as he entered the garage and a few...