Loretta looked at Samantha and said quietly, "I did not invite them." Her answer was short. She picked up her cup and poured some wine. She honestly did not expect anyone to ask about the Gladstone family.
"Why?" she asked, genuinely puzzled. "I mean, it's a family dinner." The table gradually grew quieter as Samantha's question settled over the room.
Loretta remained calm. She lifted her cup and took a small sip before answering. "I know." Her short response only made Samantha more curious.
"You know?"
Loretta slowly placed the cup back on the table. By then, several people had stopped eating and were watching her.
No one had paid much attention to the Gladstone family's absence until Samantha brought it up.
Loretta glanced around the table before Samantha frowned slightly.
"If you know, then why did you not invite them?"
Loretta remained silent for a moment.
