Later, Sophie tugged Adam’s sleeve.
“You’re staying for cake, right?”
“Of course.”
Ben didn’t look up.
Later, someone mentioned the renovations.
“They’re almost finished,” Adam said too quickly.
Ben stared at his plate.
I almost rescued Adam by changing the subject.
Instead, I gathered the empty cups and carried them inside.
After everyone left, Adam followed me into the kitchen.
“Mom, can you talk to Ben?”
I placed the cups in the sink.
“About what?”
“About me and Tara.”
“What do you want me to tell him?”
“That sometimes parents need space.”
“You want me to explain why you’re living somewhere else.”
“He trusts you.”
“Then tell him yourself while I’m right there.”
Adam frowned.
“We haven’t decided how much he needs to know.”
“He already knows enough to be scared.”
I placed the brass key and note on the counter.
Adam froze.
