“He’s being unreasonable. You need to talk to him, because if Julian isn’t welcome that means I’m not welcome.”

Lina wiped her hand over her forehead as she watched Shiloh go back outside. “Why did you tell her?”

“I didn’t know it was a secret,” Alice said. “I never kept things from you girls when you were growing up.”

“It’s not something we can just blurt out. It’s going to be traumatic for the kids.”

“Only because of the rigid belief system you’re instilling in them.”

Lina dropped her face into her hands and silently counted to ten. There was no point in arguing with her. “I thought this barbeque was happening at your house.” She stepped to the window and looked out at the group around the pool. Adele was stretched out on a lounge chair and an older man, who Lina assumed was her father, was energetically describing something, his hands moving as his captivated audience, which included Megan and Katie, hung on his every word.

“I thought it would be easier for you and Phil if it was here.”

“You mean you knew it would be impossible for us not to attend.”

“Relax. You don’t have to do a thing.”

“I’m going for a run,” Phil said when he entered the kitchen several minutes later.

“Right now?” Lina frowned. “We are eating soon.”

“Let him,” Alice said as she turned from the sink. “I could feel his heavy energy as soon as he walked in the door. The run will do him good.”

“Really?” Phil raised his eyebrows. “Do you think a house full of unexpected guests may have contributed to that?”

“I think your life would be much less stressful if you lived in a state of acceptance instead of trying to control everything.”

“No, my life would be much less stressful if you understood boundaries. This is my house, Alice.”

“Mom, please leave him alone,” Lina said.

“I didn’t know you were back,” Adele said as she entered through from the deck. “Love the new haircut.” She gave Lina a quick hug before her gaze moved to Phil and her smile faded. “Oh, hello, asshole.”

“Adele.” Lina sighed. “Don’t.”

“What? I’m just saying hello to my favorite brother-in-law.”

“He’s in a bad mood,” Alice whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I’m out of here,” Phil said to Lina, ignoring Adele completely.

“You don’t deserve her,” Adele called after him.

“Don’t encourage her,” Alice said to Adele. “She needs to get over this. It’s been months.”

The group was ten minutes into dinner when Phil, freshly showered after an hour-long run, dropped down at the table beside Lina, acknowledging Alice’s introduction of Drew Rayburn with only a nod of his head. “Where’s Logan?”