Dax lifts his hand in a wave and disappears down the hallway.
I exhale hard and hear my brother’s fingers tapping against his arm.
His tone is dry. “The service entrance?”
“It’s no big deal.”
“Why are you hiding him?”
“It’s complicated.”
“How? Because he’s not part of our circle?”
“For starters.”
Ash lips twist with indecision. “I just hope he’s worth it.”
My chest constricts. “You’re not thinking about saying something?”
He touches my shoulder. “I said I wouldn’t.”
“Phew. Thank you.”
When Ash and I move along the hallway, more footsteps enter the space. Ahead, Murphy and two groundskeeping staff march towards us with different-sized luggage. My heart seizes when I recognize the set.
“Murphy?” my voice trembles. “What’s going on?”
“Darling, you sound positively frightened,” my mother’s voice echoes up the hall. “I thought you’d be excited about my return.”
Ash’s jaw drops. “Mom?”
Our mother comes into view with her arms stretched out. “Hello my darlings. Come and give Mommy a hug.”
My gut twists in on itself.
My heart hammers against my ribcage.
My skin grows pale with an icy chill.
Ash, on the other hand, pushes past me and rushes to our mother.
He hugs her, asking, “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home?”
Mom rubs a circle on his back. “Don’t you love the surprise?”
Ash pulls out of the hug. “Of course, I do. Does Dad know you’re home?”
Mom smooths down her blazer where it meets the hem of her pencil skirt. “I thought I’d surprise everyone. Vanessa, come over here.”
I oblige and meet them in the hallway. She opens her arms, but I remain stiff. Not wanting to make a scene, Mom leans in and kisses my cheek.
“I’m so happy to see you again, darling,” Mom says, squeezing my shoulder.
“We just spoke on the phone,” I say bluntly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were planning to come home?”
My mother huffs. “I’ve never heard you sound more ungrateful.”
“We’re just surprised,” Ash cuts in. “You never gave us a clue when you’d be back.”
