Avice brightened, stepping aside and holding the door open. "Hello, Natalia. I didn't know you'd be here so soon."
"I keep my appointments," she said flatly, looking around the house as she stepped in. "How are you?"
"I'm well," she said, turning to face her, one delicate eyebrow raised. "We had a run-in on the way here, but it luckily didn't involve Jack or my past, so it shouldn't affect your day-to-day here. Also, regarding the pigeon. Please don't send such heavy envelopes next time. It hurts their necks and they take twice as long to recuperate."
Avice hesitated, nodding. "Right, sorry." She was quiet for a moment, evidently embarrassed and a little nervous. "Let me go get the rest of them. I think Aubrey was having a tea party."
She nodded, tying her black hair back as her gaze, so strangely familiar to Avice, swept across the room. Although she didn't state it out loud, it was clear that Avice was dismissed.
Sawyer was soaking wet, but absolutely delighted. He gave her a chubby grin, laughing deeply. Aubrey looked up at her mother, clearly disgruntled. "He was having fun."
