A Bitter Exchange
Richard and Clara then excused themselves from the group, turning to greet other guests who had just arrived. "We'll catch up later," Clara said with a warm smile before walking away with Richard by her side.
The moment they left, Ellen felt the air grow thicker, the tension between her, Gerald, and Aubrey nearly suffocating. It was too much.
"I think we should grab a drink," Ellen said suddenly, turning to Mason with a smile that was more forced than she intended. Without waiting for a response, she looped her arm through his and gently tugged him away. "Excuse us," she added, sounding as nice as she could manage.
Gerald and Aubrey exchanged quick, awkward glances but said nothing as Ellen and Mason walked off. Ellen didn't look back, hoping that this would be the last time she had to deal with them for the rest of the night, though she knew deep down that it was impossible to avoid them entirely. Still, she really liked the little escape.