When Lara and Amelia emerged from the mansion, Shay struggled out of her chair and ran toward Lara. She ran too fast, and Sarah could not catch up.
"Mommy, you're back." Shay's cheerful voice reached Lara's ears. "Where have you been? Why did you disappear for so long?"
Lara picked her up and held her in her arms.
"I just went to the restroom."
Shay snuggled to Lara.
"Hmm, Mommy, you smell so nice," the little girl said innocently.
Heads turned toward the table where Lara was. Even Ares, who joined Liam's circle, looked back.
Despite herself, Lara was embarrassed.
They went past the arched entryway. Lara returned to the table where Madeline and Shay was.
And then the party had acquired a peculiar stillness.
Not the restful quiet of routine, but the attentive hush of observation.
Amelia noticed it at once as she walked beside Lara and Shay.
