*Elizabeth's POV*
Friday afternoon, 3:00 PM. I stood at the bottom of the stairs, listening to Helen move around in her room above me. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears.
I'd made my decision. I would go to that dinner tomorrow night. Would face James Blackwood after all these years.
But I needed Helen to invite me. Needed this to seem natural.
I took a deep breath and climbed the stairs.
Helen's door was open. She stood in front of her mirror, holding up the blue dress she'd bought, a dreamy smile on her face.
"It's beautiful, sweetheart," I said from the doorway.
She turned, her face lighting up. "Mom! I didn't hear you come up. Do you really think it's nice? Not too much?"
"It's perfect. James is going to think you're lovely."
Helen's smile faltered slightly. "
