Her mother‑in‑law was dressed to the nines—a light blouse, dark slacks, hair set in neat waves, and a fresh, subtle beige manicure.
The classic sixty‑something American woman who took care of herself and wanted everyone to notice.
“Hello, Ms. Sterling.”
Kiana sat down on the edge of a chair and poured herself tea from the pot.
“How are you, dear?”
Her mother‑in‑law was smiling, but her eyes were cold and scrutinizing.
“Working a lot. Tired, as usual.”
“Oh, your work is so stressful. Numbers, reports. I’d go crazy,” Ms. Sterling said.
She took a bite of a cream puff and dabbed her lips with a napkin.
“Darius says you’re planning to redo the kitchen.”
Kiana met her gaze.
“I am.”
“It’s probably expensive, isn’t it? Everything’s so pricey now. Cabinets, appliances, it’s just awful.”
“I’ll manage.”
Ms. Sterling shook her head with the air of a life expert.
“That’s good, of course. But you know, Kiki, maybe you shouldn’t rush it. The money sitting in the account is a good thing. A cushion. And the kitchen is fine as it is. It can wait.”
There it is, Kiana thought.
It’s starting.
She slowly stirred the sugar in her tea.
“I don’t like the kitchen. I want to update it.”
“Well, I understand that.”
Her mother‑in‑law leaned closer, and the scent of cheap floral perfume wafted from her.
“But think about it. What if you need the money for something more important? Medical treatment, for example, or something else?”
Darius sat silently, looking into his cup.
His face was strained, as if he expected an explosion.
