Tell her the truth!

‘I met her at the ball.’ That gets Emma’s attention, and her eyebrows knit, surprised. ‘That was the first time I saw her. She was – she was Justin’s date, right? So when he went off with you, she went looking for him. And she found me waiting by the stairs.’

Emma’s voice is icy. ‘Go on.’

You spread your hands helplessly. ‘And… nothing else happened. Well, nothing except we talked. I asked her if she was the girl he cheated on you with, and she – she looked shocked, Em. I really don’t think she knew.’

Emma snorts out loud at that, and a tear trickles down her cheek. ‘And you believed that? I walked in on them, I told you!’

‘Yeah, you did.’ You take a deep breath, because this part you weren’t sure about yourself. ‘But… did you walk in on them from behind? Did you see her face?’

Emma’s face twists. ‘I – I don’t see why –’

‘Did she see your face?’ you press, urgently, **** to make her understand. ‘Because Emma – Emma Stone, I mean, she said she heard the door open, but by the time she turned round, you were gone. And apparently he swore it was housekeeping. That’s what she said, I swear.’

Emma takes that in, still looking murderous. It’s a few seconds, and a few visible breaths later, that her face changes somewhat.

‘I…’ She exhales heavily, staring at the floor. ‘I didn’t actually see her face. Not then, anyway – I mean, I knew who it was, I recognised her dress by the door straight away, but I ran out as soon as I caught them. So…’

You nod, slowly. ‘So, it is possible she’s telling the truth.’

Emma looks distinctly unhappy about it, but inclines her head. ‘The possibility exists. I suppose.’