“You were more than great,” I replied, looking directly at her. “I don’t know which of you was more amazing.”
Anna then asked, “This is so you can get that thing… the what’s-it-called?”
“Badge?” I suggested, and she nodded. “That’s right. It means I’ll keep working at the hospital here, and we can live in New York for good. We’ll have our own place.”
Anna’s smile faded, replaced by a worried look. “But we can’t live here. It’s too far away, and Mom won’t find us.”
Evelyn was quick to reassure her. “Yes, she will, my love. We’ll let her know exactly where you are, don’t worry.”
Seemingly relieved, Anna nodded. Then, she translated for her sister: “Rory wants to know if, when Mom gets back, we’ll all live together.”
“No, sweetheart,” I explained. “But you will have two homes. One with your mother, and one with me.”
Then Anna asked one more question: “With you and Evy, right?”
Though unintentional, her words cast a sudden, palpable awkwardness between Evelyn and me. Nearly a month had passed since our charade began in that hotel. The payment was already in her account, and in a few more weeks, our agreement would end, and she would leave.
But I didn’t want her to go.
I was about to say something—what, I wasn't sure—when the front door opened and the Holloways returned, bustling in with their suitcases. As they began excitedly recounting their trip, my phone rang.
I glanced at the screen. It was my mother, likely with news about Bonnie.
Excusing myself, I slipped into the quieter hallway to answer. “Hi, Mom. How are things there?”
“They’re bad, dear. Really bad. Unfortunately, I’m not calling with good news.”
When she told me Bonnie had passed, even though it was expected, it still took a moment for the words to settle. As a doctor, death was a professional acquaintance, but it was entirely different when it touched someone close to you—or someone whoshouldhave been close.
Bonnie had been married to my brother for years. She was friendly, witty, had an easy laugh, and she was the love of Sebastian’s life. What else did I know?In recent years, I’d rarely been around. I’d never given myself the chance to truly know the most important person in my brother’s world.
And now, regret washed over me in a cold, bitter wave.
“How is Sebastian?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
“Like a man who’s lost his true love. Completely devastated. The funeral is tomorrow. Michael and I are helping with the arrangements. Sebastian... well, he’s in no state to make decisions. We’ve barely heard his voice.”
“I understand. I’m so sorry, Mom. I really am.”
“I know, dear. Give my granddaughters a kiss for me. Tell them Grandma misses them and loves them very much. I know they barely know me, but... please tell them. And I love you too, my son.”
“I love you too, Mom. And you can tell the girls yourself. We’ll pack our bags and catch the first flight to Los Angeles.”
“Really?” She could barely conceal her surprise, probably thinking my interview would keep me away. “It will be so good to have you here.”
“See you tomorrow, Mom.”
When I hung up, it took me a few moments to compose myself. I felt the hot sting of tears and didn't want to break down in front of the girls.
After a steadying breath, I returned to the living room. Anna and Aurora were on the rug, already opening presents the Holloways had likely brought. As I approached, Evelyn, John, and Carol turned to me. They had been chatting about their trip, but they fell silent, their expressions shifting as they took in my own.
“There’s been a family emergency,” I said, my voice tighter than I intended. “My sister-in-law, my older brother’s wife… passed away.”
The Holloways immediately began offering their condolences, their voices a soft murmur of sympathy. Evelyn said nothing. She simply stood and wrapped her arms around me, and in her embrace, I felt a wave of grounding warmth.
As we stepped aside, I asked her, “Can you help me pack the girls' bags? I need to find us a flight to Los Angeles. Tonight, if possible, but tomorrow morning at the latest.”
She nodded without hesitation. The Holloways, however, exchanged confused glances.
