Part 2/11:
Grant, the narrator, stands by the grill with Ry, Ray’s brother, observing Tessa’s antics. His attempt to set limits is met with subtle defiance—she catches his gaze, smirking as if she’s won a silent victory, turning her back to him. Grant notices the audience—her friends—watching, eager to see what he will do next.
When Grant confronts her directly, calling her out and signaling that their night is ending, Tessa responds with a bright smile, making a joke about the scene. Grant, firm yet composed, walks away without a dispute, leaving her behind and driving home alone—an act of deliberate judgment rather than anger.