After finishing my spaghetti, I went back to my apartment. I'd just showered when Vanessa showed up at my door. She hadn't changed, and large coffee stains still marked her skirt.
The moment I opened the door, she raised her hand to slap me. I caught her wrist.
"You start swinging the moment I open the door, Vanessa? Is that what the Whitmores taught you about manners?"
She paled, then jerked free.
"Are you happy now, Claire?"
"About what?"
"You stayed away on purpose. You wanted me to embarrass myself."
I leaned against the doorframe.
"I didn't make you bring the wrong gifts or spill the coffee."
"But you know what everyone in that family likes!"
"Does that mean I have to tell you?"
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"You never used to be like this."
'There it is again. They all
