Chapter 10: Home Early

I have never moved so fast in my life.

Nico was in his trousers before the front door opened.

Gabriel had his shirt over his head and was tucking it in as he went toward the hall.

I grabbed my skirt off the carpet, shoved my underwear under the couch cushion and dropped onto the middle seat with a blanket over my knees.

On the TV, the second half was still playing.

"Surprise!"

My mother's voice rang through the house, high and warm.

She came into the den in a pale blue travel dress with a suitcase rolling behind her.

"I got on the earlier flight! I couldn't wait. Come here, baby."

I got up on legs that did not feel like mine, and she hugged me and kissed my forehead.

Then she pulled back and put her palm against it.

"You're flushed. Have you been sleeping?"

"I'm fine."

"You've gotten thin. Gabe, has she been eating?"

"She's been eating," Gabriel said.

His voice was perfectly even, and he stood three feet from her with his arms at his sides.

She kissed him on the cheek, and he let her.

"Hello, darling."

Then she saw Nico, who was standing by the armchair with his jacket over one arm and his face composed.

"Oh!" she said. "Our Italian friend. How lovely!"

"Signora Bradbury," Nico said, and he kissed her hand.

"Rosalyn, please. Are you staying for dinner?"

"I would be honored."

"Wonderful. I'll cook." She was already tugging off her heels. "Pasta. It's the least I can do. I have not fed anyone in nine days."

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