The rest of the day went by quickly as Lucille made dinner and Dad took Sawyer outside to climb something. I grabbed a glass of white wine and let myself be taken care of for a little while. About six, just as dinner was finishing, there was a knock on the kitchen door followed by Mika’s smiling face. “I brought more wine,” she said before immediately coming over and hugging me. “You okay?” she asked as she studied my face.
I nodded, too afraid I’d cry again if I spoke. “Lucille is making chicken parmigiana, so of course I’m okay.”
“Thanks for inviting me, Lucille.” She held up the bottle of wine. “Pour you some and give you a refill.”
I shook my head. “I need to stay clear-headed after you all leave.”
“Leave?” Mika said. “I’m not leaving until the morning. I’m on auntie duty overnight
