"Why would I keep anything from you?" Tristan said, showing a touch of frustration as he held out his phone for Nova to see. "Look, it's Mr. Peterson. He's had a few too many and needs me to pick him up."

Upon hearing it was about Mr. Peterson, Nova felt relieved. She didn't even glance at the phone but gently pushed Tristan. "Go on then, pick him up. Grandma and I will be fine getting home by ourselves."

Tristan was about to insist on driving them home, but the person on the ...