Brandon's POV
Dinner that night felt longer than rehearsal. Mom had set an elaborate table, complete with crystal glasses and silverware aligned like soldiers in formation. The candlelight flickered against the tall windows of the dining hall. The Ross dining room could comfortably seat twenty, but tonight it was just the five of us—Dad's chair, of course, was empty once again. Mom sat on my right, while Seth was across from me, with Madison next to him and Chloe right by my side.
Chloe sat beside me but barely touched her food. She picked at her salad and pushed her pasta around the plate, nodding politely when Mom asked about the competition.
"Fittings tomorrow?" Mom asked warmly.
"Yes, Margaret," Chloe replied softly.
"You'll do wonderfully. You always do."
