Chapter 18: A Place at the Next Gathering

Laurel stepped toward the microphone and asked the Hartwell relatives to decide whether she could attend their next gathering.

The host paused the welcome.

He handed Laurel the microphone.

She took it and turned toward the relatives.

The guests stopped shifting in their seats.

'I won't ask Cassidy to stand beside me or forgive me.'

Laurel kept her eyes on the Hartwells.

My fingers tightened around my program until the edge bent beneath my thumb.

She had made the request in front of everyone.

Nobody could later say she had asked me to smooth things over in private.

I moved away from Laurel.

My aunt stayed beside me.

Laurel lowered the microphone and held it in both hands.

I could cross the small space between us.

The whole room would see that, too.

I stayed beside my aunt.

I wanted the next gathering to have a place for me.

I wanted to sit near my aunt and hear the family talk without measuring every word against Laurel's comfort.

Her request made those wants feel childish, though they were mine before she spoke.

A Hartwell relative stood near the doorway.

She had invited Laurel inside.

Now she faced Laurel directly.

'Are you asking to attend the next gathering without Cassidy there?'

Laurel looked at her.

'Yes, if you want me there, I'll come without Cassidy.'

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