Skylar stood awkwardly at the door of the living room.
Did Willie get it wrong? Am I even invited? Skylar reflected. Gritting her teeth, she felt a surge of exasperation rise within her. Is it too much of me to expect to be treated as a guest?
Incensed, Skylar dumped her fruit basket unceremoniously onto the dining table. Raising her voice, she announced brightly, “Mrs. Ford, my apologies for coming over so late.”
Skylar’s smile was entirely stiff and insincere. She already deeply regretted allowing Willie to drive her over.
Tobias’ head suddenly snapped in Skylar’s direction, alerted only at the sound of Skylar’s voice. He turned to Claudia and explained, “Mom, Skylar’s here. I won’t be staying here tonight, then. Have a good rest.”
Claudia turned lazily to face Skylar, scanning her from head to toe.
The smile on Skylar’s face faded, and she met Claudia’s eyes stonily. Respect was mutual, and if Claudia did not even show Skylar the courtesy of inviting her to take a seat or offering her a drink, Skylar would take no pains to be polite, either.
don’t you stay here with her? Aren’t the two of
bewildered by the change
stayed without hesitation. Nevertheless, she resented being commanded by Claudia’s whims.
“It’s late, Mrs. Ford. I’ll be heading back home. It wouldn’t be good for me to stay here when I’m not married to Tobias. I came for a quick visit, but I’m
solemn as he said, “Stay with me tonight. My mother’s feeling
he could not tear himself away. If not for Claudia’s condescension, Skylar would have stayed in her own accord. However, she could not endure the fact that she had just stood there and being neglected, in front of Tobias and Claudia for a whole half
head to the Fords. She thus
conservative than I expected, Ms. Jones. If you’re not staying, you may take your
word, Skylar
new note of urgency in his voice. Skylar, however, refused to take the insult of being
departing figure, glowering.
intent on making her own decisions, Tobias
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