Hillary
“Mom,” Ben says, his tone flat and cold. He doesn’t particularly seem pleased to see her.
She ignores his attitude completely, turning toward me with a bright, practiced smile that lights up her whole face.
“My darling, how are you? You look great,” she coos, planting a kiss on both sides of my cheek.
“Hi, Nora. I’m fine, thank you.” I try to articulate my words as calmly as possible, even though my pulse is still uneven. I can’t believe she almost caught me in a questionable position with one of her sons when I’m clearly engaged to the other.
“I hope Ben’s being nice to you. If not—”
Ben and I exchange a look, one of those silent, complicated glances that says too much. I swallow hard.
“Of course I’m being nice to her,” he lies smoothly. “What’s the sudden visit for, Mom?”
