Local business owners, church members, and several people connected to his development project were attending.
Paige had volunteered to speak.
She wanted me there.
Her text was almost sweet.
Let’s put the drama behind us, Mom. Family first.
I stared at it for a long time.
Then I showed Miriam.
She didn’t love the idea of attending.
But she told me what documents I could safely discuss and warned me against making accusations that hadn’t yet been proven.
I went anyway.
Graham came with me.
The hall smelled like roasted turkey, cinnamon, and burnt coffee.
Paper pumpkins decorated the tables.
Someone’s toddler was crying beside the dessert station.
Frank greeted us near the entrance.
His smile disappeared when he saw Graham.
“What’s he doing here?”
“Helping me with the driveway,” I said.
Graham nearly smiled.
Paige approached in a cream-colored dress.
She kissed my cheek.
