I had just finished explaining to Nanna about the strange woman I encountered twice now, and how I'd shut down the fight ring when the door opened a third time and Payten entered. My stepmom hurried right to me, though she waited until Nanna stepped back before she swooped in for a hug. I always felt awkward embracing her, partly because she was so well endowed and squishy since she'd had the twins, and partly-okay mostly-out of loyalty to Mom, misplaced or not.
Regardless, Payten had always been good to me and I did hug her, if briefly, before stepping away.
"We've missed you," she said, one hand pressed to her throat, honey hair shining as she turned to nod to Dad who stayed silent and grim. "Haven't we, Quaid?"
Dad didn't comment on that, but he had more than enough to say about the
