"Okay father, I will be ready," I said, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.
My father looked down at me, his expression unreadable but his tone possessing that rare, gravelly warmth he reserved only for family. "That's my little pup. I will leave you here first. You can tour around a little before you call Laura to come pick you up. Familiarize yourself with the layout of this place. It might be your home sooner than you think."
"Okay father," I replied.
He gave a sharp nod, straightened his suit jacket, and turned to walk out of the grand sitting room. The heavy mahogany doors clicked shut behind him, leaving me in a silence that felt far too large for one person. I looked down at the wide-brimmed hat resting on the cushion beside me. I had always hated it. It was meant to hide my face, to keep me inconspicuous, but today felt like a day for visibility. I stood up, leaving the hat on the chair. I didn't want to hide anymore.
