Stella Lockwood had thought her grandmother and mother would make an excuse to be out for dinner tonight. She'd figured Rhea Vaughn would be even less likely to stay. But to her surprise, they all attended. They even had the kitchen prepare a sumptuous feast, with several of her favorite dishes.
The Vaughns Family was very particular about etiquette. At the dinner table, everyone had a designated seat. Grandfather sat at the head of the table, with Grandmother on one side and Niles Shelby on the other. Sandra Vaughn sat beside Niles, while Rhea Vaughn sat next to her grandmother.
Ten years ago, Stella Lockwood's seat had been between Rhea Vaughn and Sandra Vaughn.
Today, ten years later, the seating arrangement was the same. The only difference was that her old spot was now empty.
