la's

other, is standin

least was not there the last time I saw him, more than a decade ago. He has our mothers pale blue eyes. I do not know why I expected him to look the same, but James is

moldering behind me like a trail of smoke. Mom probably filled him in, she never could resist sharing her version of things, especially if it made

" she snaps, in the way she always does. The baby stirs in my arms, his ti

then drifting to the baby. He pulls his bags closer as I reach for it. "

all, reluctant smile, letting him carry his bags up the stairs while I am left standing at the c

rises and leaves uttering the words

ght of him here is comforting in a way I do not know how to explain, as if maybe with him here, th

d around his waist. There is an awkward beat of silence when our eyes

look, but my gaze keeps slipping back to him.

is polite enough not to say anything. "I was actually

"Top shelf." I can't look at him, not fully, so I focu

says, his voice catching slightly, as

and I nod. "Yeah.

is coming before he even says

"His father is Mr. Walde... he's, um, the Governor." I can feel James watching me, waiting for an explan

e asks after a moment, hi

s... comp

at why

mile and a quick reply. "Mom

finally leaves the room, I let out a

*

els like

me, turning this into something bearable. I am sitting across from mom, bot

he baby beside me, fast asleep in his bassinet. She does not say a word, but I know that look. Sh

with a tone that is like ice water down my

something that will let her sharpen her claws. I shrug, keep

but it's not optional, Angela. If you plan on staying here,

let her think she knows better. Let her believe she has still got control, and that I h

lding her napkin with delicate fingers. "You know, I almost thou

a reminder of the scandal, the shame I brought t

, yes. B

all. But then, I think of James upstairs, the faint sound of his footsteps echo

rising from the table

quiet will settle my nerves, but it does not. Instead I