The Final Appraisal at the Lake House Before the Family Reckoning

my head.

Diane saw it.

Her face tightened.

“Dad, this is exactly the kind of thing I’m talking about. There should be transparency.”

I said, “There will be.”

“When?”

“Sunday dinner.”

Mark shut the refrigerator.

“Everything is Sunday dinner with you.”

“Yes.”

“You’re enjoying this.”

“No,” I said. “I’m enduring it.”

The kitchen fell quiet.

For a moment, nobody moved.continue reading …