The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

not slow down.

But I saw her fingers tighten around the towels.

“Diane,” I said quietly.

“I’m only protecting you.”

“No,” I said. “You’re auditioning.”

Her mouth fell open.

Then she recovered.

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Yes, you do.”

She turned and walked away, heels clicking against hardwood Elaine had once polished herself every spring.

An hour later,continue reading …