Helen looked at me.
“Holly?” she gasped.
I blinked.
“Yes?”
Arthur stepped between us.
“Helen, please take care of the glasses.”
She looked at him.
“Arthur…”
Arthur stepped between us.
“Now, please.”
His voice was firmer than I’d heard before.
Helen bent to collect the pieces.
I crouched to help.
“No, ma’am,” she said quickly. “Please don’t.”
His voice was firmer.
Arthur guided me toward the dining room.
“She’s been having a difficult week.”
I glanced back.
Helen was still watching me.
And I had the uncomfortable feeling that she’d recognized someone she wasn’t supposed to see.
Helen was still watching me.
***
Over roast chicken and potatoes, Arthur began asking about my childhood.
Then my parents.
Then whether I’d ever had a sister.
“No,” I said. “Why?”
“Just curious.”
Arthur began asking about my childhood.
I set down my water glass.
“You’re asking a lot of family questions tonight.”
He smiled.
