19 - Richard

"Richard, honey," Grandmother Willow called softly, forcing me to drag my gaze away from Brock and Elena. She was leaning forward, her face expressionless, much to my surprise. I expected her to be pissed at Sarah missing out on yet another dinner with us for the fourth consecutive time, but she wasn't. When she spoke, there was a tinge of concern in her voice. "I'm guessing that Sarah couldn't make it this time again?"

I nodded, bracing myself to get lectured about the value of family and how sacred our weekend dinners were, but she simply nodded. "It's fine. Elena is here anyway. She'll do."

I glanced back at Elena and nodded, weirdly pleased. She was more than sufficient. Over the last couple of years, ever since our families had gotten closer due to the merger and proposal between Sarah and me, she'd attended more family dinners and functions than Sarah ever did. Was that how she'd gotten so close with Brock? Was she here for him, and not for Talia?

And why did that make me even m