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My phone blares over the music, jolting me out of my carefree dance party. I glance down to see my mother’s name flashing on the screen and let out an exasperated sigh.

Ugh, what does she want now?

I swipe to answer. “Hello?”

“Mary, darling! I’m just calling to remind you about dinner tonight. You’re still coming, right?”

“Yeah, mom. I’ll be there.” As if I have a choice.

“Wonderful! You know how much it means to your father and me to have the whole family together.” She pauses, then adds in a sickeningly sweet tone, “And I’m sure Ella would love to see you.”

Translation: Bring your sorry single ass and stop embarrassing the family.

“I’ll be there as always.”

“Alright, dear. See you soon! Love you!” She hangs up before I can respond.

“Love you too,” I mutter to the dead line, tossing my phone onto the couch.

Sundays at my parents’ house are the bane of my existence. All the snide comments about my relationship status, the pity-filled looks from my sister’s rich, pompous fiancé, Trent, and not to mention my mother’s constant, not-so-subtle attempts to set me up with her friends’ equally obnoxious sons. She must have something planned for today if she calls to make sure I come along.

Ugh, why do I even bother? I should just tell them I’m busy. Or ‘forget’. Or… actually, no. I can’t do that to Dad. He’s the only one who’s ever truly had my back.

The drive to my parents’ sprawling estate feels shorter than usual and before I know it, I’m pulling up the winding driveway lined with precisely manicured hedges. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for the dinner ahead.

Mom’s prized rose bushes bloom on either side of the steps, the pink blossoms perfuming the air. I ring the bell and wait, listening to its echo reverberate through the foyer.

The door swings open to reveal our housekeeper, Rosa.

“Miss Mary! So good to see you.” She ushers me inside. “Your mother is waiting in the sitting room.”

“Mary, what took you so long?” My mother walks into the hall as I step through the front door. She stands with her hands on her hips, her silver-blond hair framing her face in soft waves.

“Traffic.”

“Aha,” she says. “Well, you’re here now.”

“Hey, sis.” Ella, my younger sister, appears and gives me a quick hug. Her curly brown hair is tied back into a messy bun.

“Hey.” I return the embrace. “How’s everything?”

“I just landed an acting gig!”

“That’s amazing. Congrats, Ella!”

“An acting job?” My mother frowns. “I thought your father and I made it clear that we don’t approve of you gallivanting around chasing some frivolous dream.”

Ella’s face falls. “But Mom, this is a huge opportunity for me. It could really launch my career.”

“Nonsense. It’s not practical or sensible. No daughter of mine will be some starving art—”

“Here you all are.” My father strides in and gives Ella and me quick pecks on the head. “Hello, my lovely daughters.”

“Hi, dad.”

“Now that everybody’s here. We can start the dinner. Our guests have been waiting.” My mother grabs my arm and ushers me into the dining room. “Come, I want to introduce you.”

Guests?

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