The Kiss that Sparked it All

Dean jumped in, siding with his grandson, “Balfour, you’re spot on! Xenia, you scared off my savior here, aren’t you going to apologize to her?”

Xenia was a proud woman. There was no way she’d apologize to a young girl like Ellinor.

But Dean had spoken. She had to listen, right?

With all her extensive knowledge and experience, she knew she needed to suck it up sometimes to get things done. She’d wait for the right moment to deal with Ellinor.

So, Xenia forced a smile and said politely, “Ms. Mendoza, I apologize. I didn’t realize your importance earlier and was disrespectful.”

Ellinor smiled back, “It’s okay. I know it wasn’t intentional. No one told you I was the guest today.”

Xenia’s smile froze. What was this girl implying?

Was she hinting that Xenia wasn’t important enough to be informed about the guest?

some tricks up her sleeve. Xenia couldn’t underestimate

meaning in Ellinor’s words. If there was,

relieved to see Ellinor’s

a chair, pulled it out

Xenia and her daughter, Ellinor didn’t refuse Balfour’s

next to Alyssa, which was usually occupied by Patricia.

spot. She nearly lost control of her emotions and gritted her

Balfour actually invited Ellinor to sit next to Grandma. That was too much! Ellinor was an outsider!

soon as Ellinor sat down, Balfour pulled out another chair and sat next

up a chicken wing with her fork, “Ellinor, are

But there’s so much

know what you liked, so we asked the kitchen to prepare a variety. Feel free to eat whatever

Eat whatever you like, and