Kevin and Patrick were at the table prepping sandwiches. Jack sat apart, staring into the steam rising from his tea. His hands trembled. Hair unkempt. Shadows under his eyes. He looked like a man already mourning something. And for a second, I almost felt sorry for him.

I wondered what he was thinking about. Was it our kiss on his mind? Or was it the inevitable homecoming? One more day, and he would be back to Mary, as if nothing ever happened. Or would he? 

His secret was no longer safe. Though he didn't know it yet. An impasse. Whatever he did, he was lost. His facade - shattered. His love life - exposed. His future - uncertain. Everything was in Jared's hands now. 

Should I tell him? Or leave a warning, at least? Did he deserve to know? I exhaled slowly and took a step toward him.

Jared's eyes followed my moves, and before I could reach Jack, he was already beside me. Phone in hand, he tapped a few times on a screen.

“Barry.” He said, plain as ever. “My iPhone is allergic to these woods. Can I borrow yours?”

I froze. It was a trap.

“If you go uphill, you should get a bar or two.” I replied, trying to sound casual. 

“Oh come on. Just a quick call, domestic. Won't put the bite on your plan.”

I was cornered yet again. All eyes one me. I hated being a centre of attention. Especially in such situations.

“What are you up to, Jared?” Patrick asked curiously. “Not doing work on Saturday, are you?”

“You'll see, Pat.” Jared smirked like a man who already knew the ending. “Come on, Barry. Don't be a jerk.”

“A jerk?” I slowly handed him my phone. “Look in the mirror sometime.”

Kevin laughed with his mouth full. “Facts man, facts.”

Jared gave me a cold stare and then turned away, dialling. He walked back to the group. Effortless gait. Loose gestures. Like he was doing a solo performance he knew all too well. 

The moment he asked for my phone, I knew exactly who he was going to call. 

“Hello?” A soft voice filled the speaker. 

I saw Jack freeze. He straightened slowly, his back stiffened. He looked at Jared. Then, at me. In that instant, he unwrapped what was happening. Panicked, like a mouse caught mid-scamper.

“Boys, kindly welcome our bride-to-be on the line,” said Jared with a jaunt smile.

He sat at the edge of a table, brushing his hair back with nonchalance. Kevin and Patrick gathered around, smiling and craning to hear. Jack slowly placed his mug on the table and moved closer toward Jared. 

“Hey, hun!” Jack put on a smile, and I felt my stomach tightening. His act was like a punch in my face. Calculated. Fake. 

“Hey, Mary!” Patrick chimed in. 

“We have a no-girls policy.” Kevin grinned. “But we'll make an exception for you, sweetheart.”

“Hi boys!” Mary giggled. “So good to hear from you!”

Her voice immediately made me recall that petite blonde. Well-behaved, shy, always running across the campus with her bag full of note sheets. Hurrying either for a choir rehearsal or a piano class. Many adored her. But she only had eyes for Jack. 

“Are you having fun? Is everything alright?” She went on.

“Yeah, the weather is great. Tetons beautiful as ever.” Jack started off with simple facts, probably hoping for this confrontation to end as quickly as possible. 

“Your fiancé almost died the moment he set foot in the park.” Kevin crowed. 

“Oh my God! What happened, Jack?” 

“Nothing serious…” Jack began, but Jared didn't let him finish.

“Your clumsy oaf of a fiancé almost sank in the lake. Luckily, Barry was there to intervene. Thank God, no mouth-to-mouth was needed, right Jack?”

The jab landed. Jack’s face turned pale. He looked exposed. Betrayed. 

“Yeah.” He stammered. “I'm fine, babe. Don't worry.”

“You sound exhausted,” May said gently.  “Are you sure you're okay?”

“We've been snuffing coke and watching strippers till down. Of course, he's tired.” Kevin joked, laughing a little too loud. 

“Shut up, Kev!” Patrick joined the conversation, trying to laugh it off. “Don't listen to him, Mary.”

“Jack is a saint,” added Jared smoothly. “He’d never touch another woman.”

He lingered on “woman,” just enough to slice skin. Jack flinched. The others didn’t catch it, but I did.

“Oh my, you guys are chimeric.” Mary chuckled. “Are you having fun at least? Jack?”

“Yeah. Feels like college.” Jack's voice was tender now. “This place is amazing. Hiking, fishing, kayaking. Sunsets by the water. Just scenic.”

“We should go together some day.” She laughed.

“Honeymoon spot, maybe?” Jared suggested.

“Maybe.” Jack murmured. 

“So, Mary. Tomorrow we'll bring Jack back to you. Don't miss him too much, okay?” Jared was wrapping it up.  

“I always miss him, Jared,” Mary bridled. “He's my honeybun.”

“Aww, honeybun Jack!” Kevin whooped, messing Jack's hair.

“See you tomorrow, baby.” Mary's voice softened. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Jack's face turned red, his voice cracked.

When Jared ended the call, I found myself holding my breath, with fists clenched inside my pockets. He did it… He betrayed us both. Publicly. 

Our eyes met at last. His expression was pitifully blank. His face looked as if someone sucked life out of him. And I was sure others noticed. Patrick and Kevin looked at each other, bemused. They knew something was off, but couldn't name it. 

Jared was triumphing. He threw me a phone with his head raised high.

“A quick call, just like I told you.” 

I looked at him, then at Jack, who was now gazing at the ground. Resentful. Resigned. Ashamed. Something boiled inside me, shattering the walls I was meticulously building through the years. Anger. No… Rage.

“You really are a Jerk.” I shoved the phone into my pocket and turned towards the house. “I'm done with this circus! Have a wonderful life, Jack!” 

My words sliced the air like a knife. Kevin and Patrick looked at me disoriented. I didn't care anymore. 

I stormed into the lodge, grabbed the charger, my wool sweater, headphones - whatever I had left scattered. My hands were trembling. I was sick of this place, sick of these people.

I nearly threw my stuff into the Ford. The moment I reached for the door, I heard the frantic beat of footsteps closing in behind me.