She slowly lifted her head and gave me a careful expression that looked almost rehearsed.
“Abigail, I honestly did not think you would come here this weekend. You are always busy with work.”
I stared at her. “I told you two days ago during Mom’s birthday dinner that I was planning to spend the weekend here because I needed a break.”
Lauren shrugged as if the conversation meant nothing.
“Well Bradley’s family needed somewhere to stay and this house is empty most of the time. I thought you would not mind.”
My stomach tightened. “You thought wrong.”
Bradley stepped closer until he was standing only a few feet away from me.
“Look around,” he said while gesturing toward the crowded living room. “Fifteen people drove hours to get here. You are just one person. Do the math and go back to Wilmington. Come next weekend.”
Several members of his family had turned to watch the exchange. Some looked uncomfortable but others looked amused like they were enjoying the drama. Bradley’s mother shook her head at me as if I was the unreasonable one.
Something inside me shifted in that moment.