Elliot's words caused Avery to stop for a moment.

"I know Ruby must have asked you to do this, can't you even let me have my lunch first?" asked Avery, disappointed.

"Why must you leave after lunch?" asked Elliot.

His every word and tone was expressing his desire for her to leave, now!

"I'm hungry, I want to leave after eating! If I have to eat, what are you going to do? Throw me off the boat?" asked Avery, her fingers clenching deep into her palms.

Avery was, of course, not hungry, and thi