29
After Amber and her cousins left, Sophia returned to the room with a pout on her lips.
“I wish they had stayed for dinner,” she said, flopping onto the couch.
“You can invite them over tomorrow,” my mother replied easily. “No need to be upset over it.”
Sophia’s eyes lit up. “That’s such a good idea, Mom!”
Then Mom turned her gaze to me—curious, watchful. I could tell she wanted to know what I thought about it all.
“Adrian, you don’t have work tomorrow, do you? Oh wait… Weren’t you and Aslan going to see some live music?”
“You remembered right,” I nodded. “Unfortunately, I won’t be joining you for dinner.”
“No way! Come on, cancel it,” Sophia whined.
I shrugged and said, “Let me talk to Herman. I’ll be right back.”
I stepped out of the room and called Herman. After the usual gr
