Angela Hughes was not at all what Vin expected. From everything he’d heard from his sister, Vin had expected his stepmom to be brassy blonde, with huge lips and a ton of plastic surgery, and quite possibly horns growing out of her head. Instead, his stepmother was a small, neat person with clothing that echoed last year’s fashion. Her hair was frosted and cut short under her chin and her nose was dusted with freckles. She hadn’t made any attempt to hide them with makeup, which Vin found somehow reassuring. She wore low heels and carried a bag that was more obviously practical than fashionable. In short, the sum of all things Mom. Vin bit his lip, suddenly wanting this woman’s approval.
“Mrs. Hughes,” Vin said, taking her hand and shaking it between both of his. “It’s so nice to meet you a
