WHAT WAS I THINKING?

As the meeting drew to a close, Raymond offered Natalie a ride to Meadow Brooke. "Come on, let me take you home," he said, opening the car door for her.

Natalie declined, her eyes fixed on her phone. "I'm fine, I'll just order a ride home."

Lydia's brow furrowed in concern as she nudged Natalie. "Please go with Uncle Ray. I don't want you blaming me later for wasting your money," she pleaded.

Raymond smiled lightly. "Listen to your sister, Miss Natalie."

Mia watched the exchange with interest, then moved closer to Lydia, nudging her subtly. "Hey, how does your sister know my dad again?" she whispered.

"We worked on his project. I think it was for your grandma's birthday." Lydia whispered back.

Mia's expression turned sad. "Oh, I didn't attend it. I was in the hospital."

As they spoke, Mia's gaze drifted back to Raymond, who was gently coaxing Natalie into the car. Lydia's eyes lingered on Mia before she spoke up again.