"Thank you. That's very helpful."
"I'm not trying to be helpful. I'm trying to be honest." Mrs.Henderson took the books from Rachel's hands. "Talk to me. What happened?"
Rachel's composure cracked. The whole story poured out: Derek's photo, Mac's doubt, the fight, the devastation of not being believed.
Mrs. Henderson listened without interrupting. When Rachel finished, she was quiet for a long moment.
"This arrogant fellow sounds like a professional liar," Mrs. Henderson said finally. "And he's very good at creating doubt."
"But Mac should have believed me without needing proof."
"Yes. He should have. And I suspect he's realized that by now." Mrs. Henderson squeezed Rachel's hand. "But ask yourself. Do you want to lose Mac over this? Him doubting you for all of five minutes? You also have to trust him. Do you want Derek to drive you apart?"
Before Rachel could respond, the library door opened. Mac walked in, looking like he hadn't slept, carrying his laptop with desperate determination on his face.
Rachel froze.
Mrs. Henderson squeezed Rachel's shoulder. "I'll give you two privacy." She gave Mac a look that clearly communicated: Don't mess this up again.
Mac
"Rachel," Mac said, his voice rough. "Can we talk? Please?"
Rachel stood there, arms crossed, but nodded. “Let’s go out back.”
They walked into the smaller lunch room in the back, with more privacy. Rachel could swear Mrs. Henderson looked disappointed.
"I need to show you something." Mac opened his laptop on a nearby table. "I should have believed you immediately without needing proof. But I was an idiot, and I'm so sorry."
He pulled up the footage. "This is Monday morning. 9:47 AM. The Grind."
They watched together, Rachel entering alone, sitting alone, working alone.
"I told you I was alone."
"Iknow.And you shouldn't have had to prove it. That’s not why I went there." Mac fast-forwarded to 10:15. "But look. There. That's Derek. Watching you from across the shop. Taking photos without your knowledge."
Rachel stared at the screen, her face going pale. "So hewaswatching me?"
"The whole time. He took that photo to make it look like you were meeting with someone, but he manipulated the angle." Mac turned to face her fully. "Rachel, I'm so sorry."
Rachel's eyes were filling with tears. "You hurt me, Mac."
"I know. And I hate myself for it."
"You immediately assumed I was lying to you." Rachel's voice cracked. "That's what Brad did. That's exactly what Brad did."
"I'm not Brad—"
"Then why did you act like him?"
Mac felt like he was being gutted. "You're right. I did. And there's no excuse for that."
Rachel looked at the footage for a long time. Derek watching her and photographing her.
"I believe you're sorry," Rachel said finally. "And I understand why the photo looked convincing."
"But?"
