Gritte, Lorenz’s younger sister, lounged on the couch with Emily, shopping bags from high-end boutiques piled around them.
“Oh, you’re finally back, Toni,” Gritte sneered, her tone dripping with entitlement. “Why so late? We’re hungry. The chef didn’t come. Go cook for us.”
Her words stung, a reminder of all the thankless service I had rendered for them. Emily avoided my eyes, fussing over a new handbag as though I weren’t even there.
Lorenz appeared from the hallway, as if materializing from the shadows. “No need to worry about cooking tonight. We’ll eat out,” he announced, his voice softening instantly when he glanced at Emily. “What do you feel like, Lily?”
Her face brightened. “Steak! Can we go to our favorite place? The one from college?”
Without hesitation, he grabbed the keys. Watching them together, so at ease, I slipped toward the door, hoping to avoid witnessing this little reunion.
Lorenz’s voice cut through the space, sharp and commanding. “Come with us. You must be hungry, too.”
I hesitated, keeping my tone steady. “No, thanks. I’m not.”
“That wasn’t a question, Toni,” he said, his voice darker now, laced with irritation.