“I’m only going to be home a few days.” India sat on the other end of the couch. “The orchestra’s tour for the year is over. I’m taking some time to recharge. I submitted my request to audition for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.”

Elaina tilted her head to the side. “Los Angeles. Impressive.”

“Only if I get the job.”

“You will. You’re persistent and that violin was always attached to your damn hand. You’ll be fine.” She said the last with a wave of her hand and more than a hint of pride. Elaina may be cold and distant, but India would never call her unsupportive. As if realizing she’d let her pride show, Elaina frowned at India. “How did you get here?”

“My plane landed about an hour ago. I rented a car at the airport.”

Elaina looked confused. “Why? Daddy would have had a car waiting for you.”

“I didn’t want that. I hoped to sneak in. I wasn’t ready to see everyone just yet.” She looked away from Elaina and turned the glass in her hand. Her dad would be hurt she’d sneaked home, but he’d also be happy to see her. They’d Skyped and video chatted while she’d toured, but she hadn’t been home in years. Somehow seeing Travis when he was free of Elaina had seemed harder than seeing them together.

“He’ll be happy to know you’re here for Byron’s announcement,” Elaina said. “He’s worried your prolonged absence reflects badly on Byron.”

India froze with the glass of wine halfway to her mouth. “How?”

“You being away makes it look like our family’s torn apart.”

“What? Where on earth did that come from?”

Elaina’s lips twisted into a small smile and she shook her head. “I wish I could blame it on his overactive imagination, but I do think this is from Byron’s campaign manager. You running off and not coming home for years does make it look as if you don’t want to be around.”

“I didn’t run off. I’ve been touring.” That’s what she told herself anyway.

“Doesn’t matter. You know Daddy only thinks three things are important. God, family and Robidoux Tobacco.” Elaina raised a manicured finger with each word. “To him, you’ve turned your back on two of the three. I’d admire you for doing what you love instead of sticking around here and doing what he wanted, if it hadn’t made my life so damn difficult.”

“Sure, Elaina, I left just to make your life difficult,” India said sarcastically.