Chapter 13: SilkeIt was chilly outside for once, though not quite German winter weather, and Silke shivered in her too-thin jacket. But as soon as she went inside, the house enveloped her in warmth, and the aroma of freshly-baked brownies made the corners of her mouth turn up. It smelled of something heartier, too, and she followed the smell right into the kitchen where the crock pot was bubbling with Lauren’s stew. No Lauren though, and thankfully no Kayla—not yet. She poured a mug of coffee and cut a small piece of brownie for herself, determined to enjoy her reprieve from forced family life for as long as it lasted.
“Oh, it’s you.” Kayla ambled into the room none-too-gracefully. “I thought my mom was out here packing a lunch or something.”
“Nope, just me.” Since Kayla hadn’t bothered
