I didn't even make it back to the main mansion before Maria called me.
She said she'd love it if I helped her spend some time with her daughter and made sure the women Luna was staying with were "good enough" for her.
I smiled as I walked down the corridor, because of course that was how Maria would agree.
Not with a simple yes, I want to come, or yes, I need this, or yes, you were right about everything and I've been lonely for twenty years and your speech about Luna broke something in me I can't put back together.
No.
She agreed by framing it as an inspection.
A mother's due diligence dressed up as the real motivation — when the real motivation was still sitting on that bed in a black lace robe, wondering what would have happened if I'd walked back to her instead of turning toward the door.
