I have to admit, it’s really weird pulling up to the house where I grew up, considering that the last time I was here I left in a helicopter clutching my half-dead mate’s hand. I glance in the rearview window at my two boys, suddenly realizing that this house is probably full of strange memories for them as well.

Was it wrong to bring them along?

But one glance at Ian lets me know that he, at least, is thrilled.

“Can we go in the basement?! Can we play in the jail where you were locked up, mama?!”

“Is that really what you want to do?” I ask, screwing up my face with distaste as I put the car in park out front.

Alvin bites his lip, looking at me, clearly not as eager to re-enact his trauma as Ian is. I laugh, shaking my head and starting to get out of the car. The boys join me in the driveway.

“Listen, you guys can both do what you want, but you should ask your grandmother first. See what she thinks.”

They both nod, starting to run up the stairs to the house. As they reach the top, the door opens and my mother’s beaming face appears. “Evelyn! Ian, Alvin! Lovely!” she calls, laughing as the boys run to hug her.

I smile, surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her…

Well, as I climb the stairs after my boys, I realize that my mother has always been the perfect Luna, which means answering the door with a gracious smile. Even a warm greeting like this would have made my father frowning at her, giving her the message – however implicit – that she was embarrassing him.

As I reach the top of the stairs and lean to give her a kiss on the cheek, I’m suddenly furious for her, that she’s lived a life so hemmed in she couldn’t even be excited to see her grandchildren. At least, not until now, when he’s locked away in a jail.

“Are you all right, darling?” she asks, peering at me closely.

“Yes, mama,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “I’m sorry – lost in my thoughts.”

murmurs, glancing pointedly at my left

had a sharp eye for diamonds,” I say, a little

a sharp eye. Congratulations, darling.” She gives me an extra squeeze and then releases me. “I think you

happily chattering to her about their lives and their

smile when I see Emma there, waiting for me. As I come in, Emma rushes across the room, laughing, happy to

says, pulling back a little and grinning at

Emma gasps and then

is going to flip out – she’s been calling this for

laugh harder with her, shaking my head. Honestly, I used to love those

on her social media if she wants,” I say, shrugging. “That way she can

move to

“I’ll have Victor’s media people get in touch with her about it. Someone’s got to break it to

Alvin

pulling him close to

he says, flushing red. “I haven’t even asked her yet. I’m waiting for dad to

on the rear. “You two go find something to do around the house,” I say, smiling at

says, leaning forward to

listen at the door in a moment?”

looking after them. “With a cookie

move quickly,” my mother says, looking at me seriously. I

but as I look between both of them I

pressed against

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255