Angela's flush deepened, and she shot me a quick, almost accusatory glance, as if to say, Are you just going to stand there? But I didn't move.
I just watched, amused, as the two most important women in my life sized each other up in a way that was as natural as it was inevitable. "This isn't… I mean, I wasn't expecting—" Angela stammered, her usual poise faltering under Diana's teasing gaze.
Diana waved a hand dismissively, her smile never wavering. "Oh, don't be embarrassed. I'm sure Dexter appreciates the effort." She glanced at me, her eyes twinkling. "Don't you, Dexter?"
I finally spoke, my voice dry but amused. "I appreciate many things."
Diana's laughter filled the room, light and infectious. "Oh, I bet you do." She turned back to Angela, her expression softening just a fraction.
