“Fun! Ha! I do it because I pay someone a lot of money to scream at me until it’s finished. And because . . .” She motioned to herself. “This does not want to stay like this. But you’re a sylph, my God. Anyway, good for you.”

I started to unlock the door, discomfort creeping back. “Dad’s up at campus already, I think.”

“I know.” She stepped into the house behind me.

“Oh.” I turned.

“I was hoping to catch up with you.” Nora trotted in her heels to the kitchen, opened the cabinet, and popped a coffee pod into the Keurig.

“Want one?” she asked. “Ooh, Arabica, I love that word . . .”

I smiled at her rolled r. “I’m good.”

Leaning against the wall, I frantically rehearsed a resignation letter. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me, but after careful consideration, I’ve decided to take a semi-permanent hiatus from social engagements, no matter how important the cause . . .

“So I had to tell you,” Nora started as the coffee poured. “I was at Oscar’s rehearsal the other day.”

“I saw you,” I admitted, stiffening even more. Was she here to dig for dirt on Oscar’s stress management? If so, what could I tell her? Should I bring up the “wardrobe change” or was it not my place?

Nothing. I would say nothing.

She retrieved her cup and sat peering at me, chin resting on her fist. “Ruby, I was stunned by your singing.”

I blinked, thrown. “Oh. I—whoa.”

“I had no idea you were a singer. All this time, this talent you’ve got and you’ve hidden it away! Is it something you’re planning to pursue?”

“Um . . .” I drew a dizzy breath. “I don’t know. I haven’t given it a lot of consideration.”

“Well, you should.” She squeezed my hand, smiling with pride. Like I was her child. “You Chertoks never cease to amaze me.”

Emotion swelled in me, so strong, I could hardly speak, cathedral chimes in my chest. You Chertoks.

“I know that you’ve been trying to keep away from Amberley, to create a life that’s yours . . .” She leaned in conspiratorially. “And I know we haven’t made it easy for you, at any point. We put you on a poster, for Christ’s sake! ‘I Am Music’! No pressure at all, right?”

I smiled. I couldn’t help it. She gets it, she does.

“But a gift is a gift, Ruby. It would be a sin to ignore it. I’m sure you’ve started this process with your dad, but in case you haven’t . . .” She picked up her bag with a guilty smile. “I hope you will forgive your dear godmother for overstepping a little here?”