twenty-four
Melody’s mother was just like her daughter, both physically and personality-wise. Her father in comparison was a gentle, reserved man, who sat quietly supping rum and coke, his weathered face hidden by a straw sun hat. Their arrival set the precedent for the rest of the family: her brothers and sister and also Clay’s mum and Aunt Cybil came soon after. The patio was full of people chattering and laughing. Elizabeth was drawn into conversations and was touched by the genuine kindness and hospitable manner of her friend’s family. Her eyes searched out Jason and she watched as he bounced the children on his knee and charmed the women. She hadn’t noticed his warmth before, he’d always seemed so guarded. Maybe it was the pressure of his job, she mused; maybe both he and Carolyn wer
