“They’re my guests.”
I opened the door.
Andrew stood outside wearing an orthopedic boot.
Beside him was Brenda.
No makeup.
Plain gray sweater.
Red eyes.
Behind them stood Stephen Vance carrying a leather briefcase.
When we entered the dining room, Ofelia immediately smiled at Brenda.
“Brenda! How wonderful! Everyone, this is the woman who is finally going to make my son happy.”
Andrew looked directly at her.
“I should probably introduce myself first. My name is Andrew.”
He paused.
“I’m Brenda’s husband.”
Silence swallowed the room.
Margaret turned toward Mark.
“She’s married?”
Mark opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Ofelia grabbed Brenda’s arm.
“You told us you were legally separated!”
Brenda pulled away.
“And you told me Laura would leave this house with nothing!”
Mark shot to his feet.
“Shut up, Brenda!”
I placed a thick binder on the table.
“No.”
Everyone looked at me.
“Nobody is staying quiet today.”
