“You’re staying for dinner?” Sam blurted out.

Eleanor froze. “Is that OK?”

Kali rolled her eyes. “Of course, it’s OK. Mom invited you. Sam’s just being an idiot.”

Sam scowled at Kali. She was probably right, but she didn’t have to be so rude about it. “I’m glad you’re staying, Eleanor. I was just surprised. Won’t your family want to see you?”

Eleanor shrugged. “Dad has dinner meetings all this week, and Mom has some monthly meeting tonight. Mandy went to a friend’s, so even if I were home, I’d be eating alone.”

“Glad you’re here, then.” Sam smiled. “Should I be doing anything to help?”

Mom brushed by him with fresh-smelling bread from...

Please subscribe to keep reading.