Helen reached out and touched Thallia lightly on the arm. “I'd love to have you come to dinner tonight. Evalyn spent enough time at my table over the years that having you there would feel a little like welcoming family home.”
Thallia blinked. “Me?”
Helen smiled, and her eyes brightened. “You and Leon. Tonight, if you're free.”
Leon narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
Helen gave him a patient look. “Because civilized people occasionally invite other civilized people to dinner.”
Leon gave his grandmother a knowing look. “And you just happened to be nearby when you decided Thallia and I needed a dinner invitation?”
Helen's expression remained perfectly innocent. “Something like that.”
He glanced toward town, making it clear he wasn't fooled.
Helen smiled sweetly.
Thallia covered a laugh.
“Za
