Chapter 20
Josh
At exactly twelve o'clock, the doorbell rings.
While Jasmin is busy preparing the calamari for the grill, I rush to the door and open it.
"Hello, my darling." My mother's lips lift without a single crease forming. With an elegant gesture, she opens her slender arms and embraces me tightly. "You look good. Were you on vacation?"
I savor her closeness and the scent of comfort that surrounds her. "Sort of," I reply before releasing myself from her embrace to take a closer look at her. She hasn't aged a day since I can remember. And her bun is still tightly tied, as if she has to return to the stage after our meal even though she left it over thirty years ago.
Behind her stands my father. "Joshua," he mumbles into his accurately trimmed, mottled-gray full beard with a lost-in-thought expression.
I nod briefly at him. "Father."
"Where is my little angel?" My mother searches the entrance area.
Glad for the distraction, I follow her. "She's still upstairs in her room."
"But why? Isn't she excited to see Grandma and Grandpa?" My mother tilts her head to the side, her bun perfectly secure.
The truth is, she probably isn't excited. And I haveno idea why. She caused such a fuss during breakfast today that I asked Maya to accompany me to the obligatory Sunday gathering with my parents. Even though it's her day off, she didn't hesitate to help me. Since she arrived, she's been trying to calm Sophia, and I can only hope it worked.
Because if she has one of her tantrums in front of my parents, I already know what will happen.
I quickly clear my throat. "Of course, she's excited. And she'll be with us in a moment."
My father's skeptical gaze meets mine.
"Come inside first. We'll eat on the terrace." It was Maya's idea to have lunch outside, giving Sophia more space to retreat if she needs it. "Jasmin is already waiting with an aperitif for you."
"Oh, how delightful," my mother trills and proceeds to walk ahead.
My father follows. And I sprint upstairs. When I reach Sophia's room, I knock gently.
That's supposed to convey to my daughter that I respect her privacy. At least, that's what Maya claims, and there must be something to it because a few seconds later, Sophia opens the door with a friendly smile. There's a golden crown nestled in her curly hair.
"What do you want?" She raises her chin defiantly.
"Grandma and Grandpa are here," I say, motioning for her to come to me.
She crosses her arms over her chest and glares at me angrily. My gaze shifts to Maya. The wreath of dried flowers on her head looks ridiculous. Her expression, however, conveys a different message.You can't do it like that, she silently tells me.
I shrug.How else am I supposed to do it?
She winks at me. "My lady," she says in a submissive tone. "The people demand your presence." With a slight bow, she hands my daughter a sparkling wand. "Don't forget your scepter."
I'd prefer if she left that glittery thing up here. And the crown too. She can keep the pink tulle dress if she wants.
"Thank you kindly, my lady." Sophia takes the wand and marches straight beside me toward the door. "Follow me," she commands us with a decisive gesture.
Maya grins at me, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "After you."
Wait, in this undeniably adorable getup, she wants to go downstairs? With the dusty flower thing in her hair and the string of lights wrapped around her waist?
"Um..." Since I'm not quite sure how to phrase it, I simply point with my index finger at the questionable details of her outfit.
She looks down at herself. When she raises her gaze again, her eyes are slightly darker. It's as if she's just realizing where she is and what place she occupies in this world. Quickly, she sheds the disguise and smooths out her lemon-yellow 60s dress with white polka dots. "Better?"
