At the end of January, winter break was already half over, and my dad kept calling me nonstop.
The gist of it was always the same—he wanted me to come home for Lily and Aiden's engagement party.
His excuse? I was her sister. It'd look bad if I didn't show.
"Dad, you're losing it." I was painting, watching Ryder carefully water my plants out on the balcony, and let out a dry laugh.
"We've been a running joke forever. You're just now remembering? Bit late to the party, huh?"
"Ivy! If you ever want to see your mother's things again, you'll be home tomorrow!"
He was yelling so loud Ryder heard it from the balcony.
He looked back at me with a confused frown, mouthing, "You okay?"
I waved him off and hung up.
Before my mom died, she'd left a contract with her lawyer.
It said that once
