“In a suburb called Perrysburg,” I replied calmly. “It is small and simple, but it belongs to me.”
Tyler laughed nervously and shook his head. “You bought a house and never told anyone in the family.”
“I did not think anyone would care,” I answered.
My mother forced a smile that looked rehearsed. “Of course we care. We are your family.”
I met her gaze without hesitation. “You just announced that you forgot me.”
Melissa set her wine glass down with a small clink. “So you bought a house,” she said flatly. “Why make it a performance with the keys.”
I reached into the box again and pulled out a second set of keys. “Because I am moving tomorrow,” I explained.
My father immediately straightened. “That is ridiculous. You cannot make decisions like that without discussing them first.”
“I already made the decision,” I replied.
