He shook his head.

“It wasn’t.”

Then Daniel walked to the front door and opened it.

“I think it’s best if we stop pretending we still have a friendship.”

Mark looked stunned.

“Daniel.”

“I wish I had said that years ago.”

Mark glanced toward Evan.

“What about him?”

Daniel looked at the teenager.

“That decision belongs to Evan.”

Evan nodded.

“I need time.”

Mark seemed ready to argue, but then stopped.

Finally, he picked up his tool case.

Without another word, he walked out.

Daniel closed the door.

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

Then Evan wiped his eyes.

“My mom trusted you.”

Daniel looked at him.

Evan gave a small nod.

“Now I understand why.”

Daniel covered his face for a moment.

Maya walked over and hugged him.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

She hugged him tighter.

“You were still pretty rude when we walked in.”

A small laugh escaped him.