It was pretty much that exact moment Hudson noticed me, likely because Petunia huffed a small protest that they had, as yet, to pay any attention to her. At least, that was my assumption. For all I knew the silly pug felt their conflicting emotions and wanted to put an end to it. She was pretty sensitive these days, especially since Robert had almost drowned her last August, his presence always making her uncomfortable.
Whatever the reason for her vocal welcome, the pair turned, spotted me, and fell instantly silent, enough guilt on their faces I didn't have to work very hard to get them to talk.
I rose slowly from the loveseat and joined them, arms crossing over my chest while Tori squirmed in obvious discomfort, her step-father looking about to bolt. Hmmm. Tori didn't seem to be wearing her signature scent. Because her bottle was gone? Dumped on Jack for some reason? Maybe she'd decided to mark her territory that night.