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“Tell Anna I’ll be back to visit,” Mila said. “Until then, we can video chat. I’ll text Anthony to set up a time.”

“Things like calls and texts aren’t good enough for a disappointed little girl,” Barb said, disapproval dripping from her voice. “You’re breaking Anna’s soft little heart.”

It was hard, but Mila kept her voice steady and the tears at bay. “I’ll talk to Anthony,” Mila repeated.

“Don’t take that tone with me,” Barb sniffed.

“There wasn’t a tone,” Mila said. “It’s late, Mom, and I’ve got to start work early tomorrow. I should go.”

“I suppose,” Barb said. “I’m sure this job won’t last. Call me when you’re ready for that ticket. Don’t wait so long to answer when I call next time. Your father was getting ready to travel all the way to San Diego to look for you.”

“Only because it’s not calving season,” Mila muttered. The moment the words were out of her mouth, she regretted it.

Barb sucked in a sharp breath. “Is that what this is all about? You’re punishing us?”

“No Mom, I didn’t mean—”

“We were good parents,” Barb continued as if Mila hadn’t spoken. “We gave you everything. Food, shelter, and an education. We would’ve sent you to college if you wanted. It was your choice to stay at home. You’re the one who didn’t want to leave, we didn’t force you to do anything.”

“You didn’t encourage me either,” Mila said, shocked when those words came out. “You kept telling me college would be there next year, after Anthony finished high school. Then when he finished you said I could go, but it would be really hard on Vivienne if I left before she transitioned from middle school to high school. I was only able to learn baking and decorating from Sally because she was so flexible with my work schedule.”

There was a moment of silence, and Mila thought for a brief second she might’ve won a disagreement with her mother.

“I’d never do that,” Barb denied. “I’d never block one of my children from seeking higher education! How dare you accuse me of being so manipulative!”

Mila sighed. “Of course you didn't. I'm sorry I said anything.”

“You’re not really sorry,” Barb accused. “You’re only saying that because you think that’s what I want to hear. I won’t have you going around spreading lies about me.”

“I’d never say anything about you to anyone here in San Diego,” Mila said, suddenly seeing the humor in the situation.

“I should hope not!” Barb agreed. “I don’t want any of that nonsense getting repeated back here.”

Mila stifled a snort. “Goodnight Mom.”

“Fine, we’ll talk tomorrow,” Barb said.

Before she could demand anything else, Mila ended the call.

“No we won’t!” she said to the phone.

The thing rang, making her startle and almost drop it. She half expected it to be her mom again, but it was her brother Anthony. Even though she didn’t want to talk to him either, she felt guilty about Anna, so she answered the call.

“Hi, Anthony, I was—”

Anthony cut her off. “Mila, don’t let Mom talk you into coming home!”

Mila wasn’t prepared for his vehemence. “What?”

“Don’t let Mom talk you into coming home,” he repeated. “She’s going to try to use Anna to guilt you into coming back to Tea, but don’t let her. Anna is perfectly fine. I mean, we all miss you, but Anna’s not going to have a mental breakdown because you’re not here.”

“That was the conversation I had with Mom before you called. When did you become psychic?” Mila teased.

Anthony chuckled, but it sounded forced. “I don’t need to be for this. I know her game plan even if you and Dawn like to pretend she isn’t manipulative as hell.”

Mila got a bad feeling. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing that doesn’t happen to every family,” Anthony answered evasively.