Amber wanted me here, and that was enough for me.
“Thanks for the warm welcome,” I said to Rafael, trying not to let his rudeness get to me.
Fortunately, our car pulled away behind us and a new car brought new guests, dragging his attention there instead. I was able to step past him and enter the house with the rest of my family.
Just inside the door, Roman was waiting. Seeing Amber, he immediately smiled, waved, and came closer. “Amber. There you are. I was beginning to worry you weren’t going to make it.”
We weren’t late, which meant that Roman had to be anxious just about Amber’s arrival.
It took Roman a beat too long to notice Alice. Alice cleared her throat in a very unsubtly way.
Roman startled and then looked down at her. “Oh! Alice! There you are. Why, it’s so good to see you
