Amanda runs into her friend Sarah

As she and Abigail exited the vehicle, she noticed her friend Sarah heading toward her. Amanda's heart sank - Sarah was known for her sharp eyes and quick wit. Trying to play it cool, Amanda said, "Hey Sarah! How are you?" She angled her head slightly, hoping to keep her neck hidden. Sarah smiled warmly, but her eyes flicked briefly to Amanda's neck before meeting her gaze again. "I'm good, thanks! Just picking Timmy up from practice. How about you? You look a bit... flushed." She tilted her head curiously, her tone laced with gentle concern.

Amanda's stomach twisted into knots as she **** an awkward laugh. "Oh, you know, just one of those days!" She waved a dismissive hand, hoping to steer the conversation away from her appearance. "How's Timmy doing with the team? He seemed to really be enjoying it last time."

Sarah nodded, accepting the subject change gracefully. "He loves it! Scoring goals left and right these days. Speaking of scoring, it looks like Henry gave you a couple of going away presents before his business trip?" Sarah asks, glancing meaningfully at Amanda's neck. Amanda's heart raced as she tried to maintain her composure under Sarah's knowing gaze. "Oh, um, yeah, Henry's just really sweet like that," she stammered, hoping her flimsy explanation would suffice. She mentally cursed herself for not being more careful - she should have known better than to think she could hide the evidence of her infidelity so easily.

Sarah smiled enigmatically, clearly not buying Amanda's story. "Well, I'm glad to hear he's spoiling you rotten," she said, her tone suggesting she knew exactly what kind of "presents" Henry had given Amanda. "Listen, I was going to ask if you wanted to grab coffee sometime this week. Maybe do a little shopping?" Amanda tried to maintain her composure, but panic surged through her. "Oh, I'm not sure if I can this week, Sarah. The kids have so many activities, and with Henry away..." Her words trailed off, and she shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of the love bites still visible on her neck.

Sarah's eyes narrowed slightly, and she stepped closer, speaking softly. "Amanda, I'm not an idiot. I know what those marks really are. And I somehow suspect that Henry isn't that... passionate or energetic," she whispered, her eyebrows raised questioningly.