Chapter 6Electric light spilled out over the terrace of Lilac Villa from the tall French doors. Lucy and Sylvia stood just outside its reach and let the clear, pale night wash over them. Lucy leaned against the stone balustrade and tilted her head back to look at the sky. The stars were tiny, bright jewels on the indigo blanket of the night above them.
“I really wish we hadn’t come,” she said, softly.
Beside her, Sylvia fumbled in her bag for her cigarettes, lit two, and passed one to her. “Yes,” she said. “It’s a bit awkward.”
Lucy glanced in through the French doors to the dining room and took a deep, furtive drag of her Sobraine.
“Your mother isn’t here,” Sylvia reminded her. “And I don’t mind you smoking. Don’t choke yourself.”
Lucy grimaced, blinking away the buzzing in her head
