#Chapter 39: An unusual request

Nan’s POV “I have a request to make of you.” “What request?” I ask suspiciously. I do not trust this man as far as I can throw him. Positive and civil interactions do not usually start with an apology and request. I just want to go to my room and wallow a bit. But I figure he will leave faster if I hear him out. “Next week is my mother’s birthday. The big 60. The whole family is expected to be there.” He rubs his hands together. Up close, I can see that he looks a lot like Lionel. Yet his handsome features do not bring out the same reactions in me as Lionel. “That’s nice. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see her family celebrate with her.” I comment. “Exactly. Even more so now that she has another granddaughter to spoil. Mother was shocked to hear that Vera had a missing twin.” I smile tightly. Weary of the direction of this conversation now that Patti has been mentioned. Sign number two that this request will be unpleasant. “We will also be inviting most of our