Chapter 51

Abby

I realized I had stopped listening only when Cassandra touched my elbow.

I blinked and found an elderly couple smiling at me.

The woman had clearly been speaking for longer than I wanted to admit.

“I’m sorry.”

She laughed. “No need, sweetheart. I was only saying I can hardly believe you’re all grown up.”

Her husband nodded. “You look very much like Naomi tonight.”

That pulled me fully back into the conversation.

“Thank you.”

The woman squeezed my hand. “Especially around the eyes.”

My smile softened.

Before I had to think of anything else to say, Cassandra stepped in smoothly.

“It was lovely seeing you both. Enjoy the evening.”

They moved on toward the food tables, and I let out a quiet breath.

Cassandra looked at me.

“Relax.”

“I am relaxed.”

“You’ve spent the last ten minutes standing like someone is about to examine you.”

“It feels like they are.”

She laugh