Page 70 of Symphony of Salvation

Aren’t you married?

I displayed my left hand, fingers bare of rings. “Nope. Just me at home.”

No girlfriend?

I pointedly glared. “You’re turning into Lil’ Miss Nosy.”

She shrugged but let it go.Dad said I can see my mom tomorrow.

My brows rose, and I didn’t know how to respond. August had been vague about Chloé’s whereabouts and the reason he’d ended up with custody. “Oh yeah?”

She’s allowed a short visit. Thirty minutes. Dad has to come too.She rolled her eyes.

“You must be excited.”

A sad smile eclipsed the radiant sunshine I’d been privy to since my arrival. It mirrored her father’s from a moment ago.I miss her,she signed.I haven’t seen her since October.

“Big change in your life.”

She nodded.

“This new living arrangement must be taking some getting used to, huh?”

Her gaze drifted to the kitchen as she silently agreed. Along with the clang of pots and pans came the faint sound of August humming a random concerto.

He doesn’t like me,Constance signed.

“That’s not true. I don’t believe it for a second. He talks about you all the time. He’s doing his best with a difficult situation.” It was a pep talk I couldn’t validate. What did I know about August’s home life with Constance? Nothing, except his feelings, and they were admittedly negative.

Don’t lie.

“I’m not lying. This is new for him too, Constance. He’s learning as he goes. Parenting is tough.”

He’s always mad at me because I won’t talk.

“Do you give him a hard time?”

A shrug.Sometimes.Constance’s expression turned serious.Did he tell you about my mom?

“No. He’s been… elusive.” Another eye roll. “Doyouwant to talk about your mom?”

Vehemently shaking her head, Constance tinkled a few keys on the piano, troubled mind on display. She might have had theframe of a child, but she had the tenacity of an adolescent, and teenagers tended to be complex and confusing to read. I sensed this was one of those times when Constance’s words and body language said she didn’t want to talk about her mom, but her heart desperately needed to unload something troubling.

I didn’t know what to say. Pushing a girl her age risked resistance. It risked losing her trust. It was better to wait her out and let her decide to come to me when she was ready.

“My door is always open if you need to chat.”

She turned a grateful smile in my direction and signed,Thank you.

“Dinner is served,” August called from the other room.

“Shall we? I hear your dad made quite the feast, and I’m starving.”

Constance nodded but touched my arm before I could get up.I’m glad you’re here.

Chapter sixteen

Niles

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