84 Bronson

We take a tour of the entire floor, stopping for a while at the kitchen as mother gives me her expression. I show them the bedrooms, my office, where I hear my father scoff, and of course the pool, something Anderson and Clara equally laugh at. My family has always known me to swim, but only my mother knows what it truly did for me back then. It was my escape, and when I catch her eye twinkle then give me a wink, I know she understands my need to have one.

We stop once again back at the study where the tree is and that’s when I spot Nikki standing beside the fireplace looking deeply into the lit flames dancing and flickering.

I march over and place my arm around her, only to have her teary gaze look up at me.

“Nikki? What’s going on?” I whisper as my family fills in the space. She shakes her head, but I reuse to let it go.

“I’ll tell you later.” She whispers back and although it takes a moment, I nod my head in understanding. After my family leaves, she will tell me.