“A woman?”
“Not in that way, at least I don’t think it is.”
“Then what?”
Sophia appears confused.
“I believe she is his therapist.”
Her relief is instantaneous. “Oh, thank God for that. He has always refused professional help before, and I’m encouraged to learn he has some now.”
I nod, but I’m still uneasy about Su Yin’s involvement in Joseph’s life. Jealousy rears its ugly head again, and I taste bitterness as I shrug.
“I hope it works.”
Sophia nods, and as Joseph returns, her brilliant smile welcomes him before turning back to me.
“Tell me about your mom, Tiffany. I met her once, many years ago, before she met your father, of course.”
Joseph appears interested and leans forward. “You never said.”
“I don’t tell you everything, Joseph.”
Sophia rolls her eyes.
“No, she came with her parents to a party my parents were hosting. I spoke with her there, and she struck me as a remarkable woman.”
“Did she?” I shrug. “I wouldn’t know. We’ve never met.”
“So I hear.” Sophia’s smile falters. “Perhaps she had a valid reason for that. Life with Enrico, by all accounts, was extremely challenging.”
“Did my sisters tell you that?”
“Yes.”
She nods, but my question appears to unnerve her a little.
Joseph interrupts.
“Do you remember your other friend from Canton House, Mom, the one that roomed with you and Sister Agatha?”
I wonder why the blood has drained from Sophia’s face, and Joseph’s tense smile tells me he sees it too.
“Serena. Of course.”
“It appears that she visited Sister Agatha not long ago. I wondered why you weren’t also invited.”
“Why would I be? We lost touch years ago.”
Sophia shrugs, and I hold my breath as the atmosphere changes.
Joseph leans forward.
“It appears that she took something from the convent. Something that didn’t belong to her.”
I swear you could hear a feather drop as Sophia frowns.
“Serena is no thief, Joseph. What on earth are you talking about?”
