“How have the Storm's been, Victor?" Stella asks pleasantly at dinner later that night.
“Good," Victor replies around a mouthful of steak. “They look to be almost done with the front."
“Oh, wonderful!" Stella exclaims. “I can't wait to see everything when it's all done. Imagine how the place will look once all the flowers they're planting have grown."
“We should leave Beatrice here to keep the place tidy when we leave." Ben says sarcastically from his spot across from Victor. Beatrice kicks him under the table.
“Seriously though, Mom, please let me come back when the flowers are all bloomed." Beatrice pleads next to Ben. Stella chuckles, mouth open ready to give an excuse when Victor pipes up.
“I'm sure Erin could do it."
Ben's eyes go vacant, any mischief draining the brightness fro
