“Elaine, are you looking for Ethan for something?” Tessa’s voice broke through my thoughts.

Snapping back to reality, I replied, “No. I thought we were having a family lunch today.”

“What family lunch?” Tessa huffed. “Since you left, we haven’t had a single one.”

Her tone wasn’t accusatory, but I knew the rift stemmed from my departure. Still, I wasn’t going to apologize—I didn’t believe I was at fault.

“Elaine, you really must come. I ...