She was Daniel’s younger sister, and she treated our house like a hotel lobby.
« That house isn’t a party venue. »
« Good morning to you too, Rose. »
She reached across the table, took a strawberry off my daughter’s plate without asking, and left the stem on the counter.
« Listen, I need a favor. My birthday’s coming up and I want to do something special. The lake house would be perfect. Just one night. »
« No. »
« Excuse me? »
« Can you keep them quiet, Claire? »
« I said no, Rose. That house isn’t a party venue. It’s my mom’s. »
She blinked at me like I had spoken another language. My son covered his ears because Rose’s voice had climbed, the way it always did when someone told her no.
« Can you keep them quiet, Claire? They’re literally squealing in my ear. »
« They’re eating breakfast in their own kitchen. »
