Iris's POV

"Iris."

My father's voice came through the phone. "How are you?"

"Fine." I kept my voice flat. "How's the trip?"

"I'm wrapping up. Listen..." He paused. The kind that meant Sandra had put him up to something. "Your stepmother mentioned you haven't returned her calls. She's been asking about you."

"I've seen her messages." I said.

"So?" He asked.

"So I've been busy, Dad." My voice came out strained.

"She's making an effort, Iris..."

"She's really not." I said, cutting him off.

He went silent.

"Maybe you should think about coming home for a few weeks," he said finally. "Give it a real chance."

"I'm good where I...