That evening, rain fell softly outside the Spencer family home’s window. The aroma of jasmine tea wafted from porcelain cups on the family room table. Blair sat between her parents—Richard and Elizabeth—who had been exchanging glances without much conversation.
“I want to go to Florence,” Blair finally said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Richard looked at her sharply, but not with anger. Instead, there was a worry that almost concealed all other emotions. “With Jonathan?”
Blair nodded. “Yes. And Hazel.”
Elizabeth looked down, her lips trembling. “So you’re going to leave us again?”
Blair flinched. “No! This isn’t a departure like before. This is just… just a short trip. He wants me to meet his parents.”
Richard let out a long sigh and leaned forward slightly. “Blair, you know how
