First and Second chances
She settled onto one of them, and I took a seat beside her, Lupus and Jessica opposite us.
“Why is she part of our discussion about the gala?” Jessica’s voice was sugar-sweet, but venom laced every syllable. I felt it like a cold wind. Lupus laid a hand briefly on her knee. “Come now, girl, I’m sure Jason has a reason for involving his maid.”
I had to admit, Lupus had a subtle knack for slipping barbed remarks under the surface. I watched Elizabeth shrink slightly at the words, uncertainty clouding her expression. But when I introduced her, I spoke with quiet authority: