My parents said, “We’re doing a small Christmas — just close family.” The next morning, I saw photos: 38 people. Even my ex was there.

across her face. Just briefly, but enough.

“He stopped by,” she answered carefully.

“For Christmas dinner with thirty-eight people?”

My father appeared behind her. “Don’t start drama on the porch.”

“That’s interesting,” I replied. “Considering apparently I wasn’t invited inside.”

Mason pushed past him holding his dead phone like evidence in a homicide investigation.continue reading …