Chapter Thirty-six

Cecilia

Reluctantly, I made my way to the large plane’s dining room in bare feet. While I had showered again and put on the clothes my mother brought, my makeup was minimal and instead of straightening my hair I braided it as I had with Greyson. The shoes were a no-go. My feet were too sore for the heels that I found laid out for me.

My parents were seated next to one another. Dad’s age showed in his graying hair and the wrinkles on his skin. He was still a handsome man, the one who long ago caught my mother’s eye. She had aged more gracefully. Regular spa treatments and a bit of Botox helped her youthful appearance. They both looked up from their meals as I entered. While Mom forced a smile, Dad’s eyes scanned me from head to toe. In that moment, I knew he’d seen the video. Maybe my mother hadn’t, but he had.

I kept my chin high.

“I’m sure you feel better,” Mother said.

I didn’t.