Finally, I was able to look around and take in the grandness of my room. I wondered if the others’ rooms were as palatial as mine—hopefully not better than mine, I thought, uneasily.

The four-poster bed was draped with a silky, white duvet and sprinkled with tiny flowers—yellow and white daisies. A thick, lush robe with my name embroidered on the breast was laid out in the center. Impulsively, I stripped out of my too-tight khakis and top, kicked off my shoes, and wrapped the creamy robe around me, tightening the belt. It fit perfectly.

Speaking of fits, I couldn’t help feeling bad about Rosalee’s T-shirt. I’d wanted to please Mom when I chose a shirt two sizes too small, but truthfully, I’d just made a fool of myself. Mara had come equipped with her own back-up shirts for everyone, and they were much more tasteful and well-fitted than mine.

But Rosalee knew what me and my mother were like, and if she planned on joining this family, then she’d better get used to the judgy stares and passive-aggressiveness that came with it...

I agreed with Mom. Rosalee wasn’t good enough for my brother, and there was something shady and flaky about her. But Mom’s fixation on her weight bothered me. Part of me got a good laugh out of Mom’s petty present at Christmas. But the other part… the other part felt ashamed and insulted by it. After all, I had never been slim and fit like my mother either; I was built like a bull just like my father.

But ever since Dad died a few years ago, Mom had become a complete mess. She might not have let it show to strangers, or to my baby brother, but I could see it—she was lost without Dad. She had no one to take care of or bicker with. No one to keep her company at night. If focusing all her energy on criticizing Rosalee kept her mind off her grief over Dad, then so be it. It was just a little harmless teasing.

From my bedroom window, I had a brilliant view of a bricked-in courtyard. It sparkled with string lights, little iron tables and chairs scattered around like a café in Paris. And below my balcony, I could see the eerie shimmer of an inground swimming pool. Perfect. All I needed was a stiff drink and a lounge chair, and I’d be good to go…

There was a sharp rap on my door, making me jump.

“Dinner in five minutes!” Mara shouted; her mouth sounded like it was pressed right up against the door.

“Okay,” I grumbled. Where had the time gone?