“So, Josh, I didn’t realize you have been away at school.” I can’t take the small talk anymore. I reach for a finger sandwich perched on the edge of a three-tiered silver tray. Yes, we’re drinking tea, and eating cucumber finger sandwiches. This must be a regular afternoon thing for these people because they didn’t even know I was coming over until a few minutes ago. I’m losing patience. I need to ask some questions.

“Josh has been home about two weeks now,” Sandy answers for her son. She seems both proud of him and wary of me, both at the same time. Her eyes dart to her son as if to be sure he is still there. “We’re just so very happy to have him home for the summer. He’s off to great things in the fall.”

“Thanks, Mom. It was an adjustment, changing schools for senior year, but it was worth it.” Josh nods and shoves a crustless cucumber sandwich into his mouth. Apparently they didn’t work on manners at boarding school. “It’s nice to be back. You know, doing whatever you want, for the most part.”

Sandy clears her throat. “Boarding school has a very regimented routine, day and night. Josh learned so much, met such fabulous people. Of course, he missed his friends back here, like Betsy. But he’s going to Princeton in the fall because of his dedication to making a positive change.”

Josh nods. “Great time. What can I do for you, Mrs. Harris?”

“Well, first, welcome home and congratulations on all of your achievements. Betsy never mentioned you were away.” I take a sip of my tea. It’s cold.

As cold as the stare Josh is giving me.

“I’m not surprised.” Josh shoves another sandwich in his mouth.

Sandy’s head tilts in my direction. “If I may be frank, Josh needed a break from your daughter. She broke his heart.”

Josh coughs, choking on a sandwich. “Oh my God, really, Mom? Betsy is fine, she’s just mixed-up.”

Finally getting to the heart of it. I ask, “You mean because of Bo?”

Josh’s eyes grow wide and he leans forward, elbows on knees. “Yes, him. He’s the reason Betsy and I broke up. Well, and when I went away to school that didn’t help. We still talked almost every day, but things changed, because of him. I was there for her after Mary died, but I guess she needed more.”

Sandy stares at her son. “What’s going on, Josh? What are you talking about?”