Ara offered her mother a gracious smile, always the epitome of elegance. "Those smoothies are practically the only thing I've been able to stomach for the past few days. However, I think I'll allow my stomach to settle before I attempt to consume anything else."
Her mother nodded empathetically at Ara, her hand clasping her daughter's. "I heard the most outlandish story from Beatrice before we sat down, Ara. It couldn't possibly be true, could it?"
John released a sound of appreciation around his mouthful of food, effectively interrupting his insufferable stepmother and using his fork to gesture at the pasta dish in front of him. "An exceptional meal, Catherine. You always surpass yourself on such occasions." John watched with satisfaction as Catherine accepted another small morsel of he
