"Now, Ara. Try not to be so hostile. My slip up was an accident, truly." Her mother looked contrite, the sincerity in her tone making the young woman pause as she gathered her coat. "I will get you some more smoothies, dear. Just tell me where to send them."
With a bite in her voice, Ara replied. "You can send them to John's. I've been staying with him." Ara turned to leave, ignoring her mother's startled gasp as Lucielle hastily followed her out. Ara called out over her shoulder, "And he would prefer a masquerade-style party. I know how much he loves them."
The two women left the expensive restaurant, Josh waiting for them outside the SUV, helping them into the car before they drove off back towards John's.
"That was so ballsy telling those two busybodies where you're living," Lucielle
