She lowered her voice.
“Daniel has built a very successful life. Mason has opportunities ahead of him that we've worked hard to secure.”
I waited.
“I don't want any unpleasant surprises this evening.”
The meaning was clear.
She didn't want my children near hers.
She didn't want Daniel embarrassed.
Most of all, she didn't want the past appearing in a place where people might recognize it.
“Vanessa,” I said carefully, “my sons earned their places here. They aren't leaving.”
Her smile turned thin.
“I wasn't suggesting they should.”
“You were.”
“Be sensible. You don't want to turn a wonderful achievement into a family spectacle.”
I stepped closer.
“Then leave my family alone.”
She held my gaze.
For an instant, something almost frightened flickered across her face.
Then she brushed past me.
I watched her walk away.
And realized she hadn't once asked how Eli and Owen were doing.
At five, the auditorium filled for the awards ceremony.
