Chapter 32: Mia

I park the Jeep in the circular drive and grab my duffle bag before heading up the wide stone steps in front of the house. The door is unlocked, which means someone has to be home. Once inside the two-story foyer, I call out, "Hello?" I pause and wait for a response. When silence greets me, I raise my voice and bellow, "Mom? Dad? Are you home?"

"In the kitchen, honey," Mom yells back. "I hope you're hungry."

Is that a joke?

I'm always hungry.

Especially for a homecooked meal.

I set my bag next to the front door before heading through the hallway that leads to the kitchen. Mom is at the oversized marble island chopping vegetables. A smile lights up her face when she sees me. I give her a quick kiss and hug before beelining to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of water. Happy to be home for a few days, I settle on the stool across from her.

"How was the drive?" she asks.

"It was fine." I pause for a beat before adding, "Although my Jeep made a few weird noises when I starte