Read Online The Women in the Walls by Amy Lukavics - Free Book Online Page B

mocking so ruthlessly earlier in the week. She really is the worst of them all.
    Almost all of the furniture in the parlor has been removed or relocated against the walls, giving the already-spacious area a ballroom effect. Penelope always made sure it was set up this way for the dinner parties she orchestrated—my father must have filled Miranda in on what to do.
    I think about how far he’s willing to go to accommodate the club, to keep the Acosta name relevant. For the first time, I think about how that same pressure would have been all on Penelope before she disappeared. She always appeared to love it, but what if inside she was struggling? Desperation can make people do things that nobody would expect. The tender, still-healing skin on my hip is a raw testament to that.
    â€œHello.” I smile and bow my head slightly in Gregory’s direction, then give Nancy a little wave. “It’s so wonderful to see you both again.”
    â€œLikewise, honey,” Gregory says before taking a gulp of his martini. “I was a little surprised to hear that we were still on for tonight. Felix didn’t have to go on with hosting if he didn’t feel up to it.”
    I scan the room from where I stand, searching for Margaret. So far, no sign of her. I see Vanessa along the back wall, setting a tray of food onto a table with her back to me. She’s gone out of her way to avoid me ever since that morning in the kitchen, which I am grateful for. It’s like Margaret said: it’s best that she knows to leave us alone.
    â€œWell,” I say, meeting Gregory’s eyes again, “I think he probably liked having the distraction, to tell you the truth.”
    â€œSo sorry to hear about your aunt, dear,” Nancy says in a hushed voice, her lips painted bright with fuchsia. Her words are already starting to slur together from the gin in her nearly empty glass. “I truly adored her, such an Acosta she was, meticulous in every aspect of her life. This party isn’t anything like the ones she used to throw.” She pauses to take a sip from her drink, her eyes darting around the parlor to the snack table. “But I guess you can’t hire that sort of perfection, can you, dear?”
    â€œNo, you can’t,” I say, forcing my smile to stay bright. “Of course, our family is still holding out hope regarding Penelope.” It’s a lie, but I know it’s the right thing to say to keep up the reputation of the Acosta name. Any and all weaknesses are to be kept hidden out of sight.
    â€œOf course you are,” Gregory says, patting me on the shoulder. “As you should be. Nothing is ever certain, you know.”
    I’m surprised you feel that way , I feel compelled to say. Especially since you were the first to stop coming to help search for her.
    I finally spot Margaret at the break in the staircase that leads to the second floor. She looks down at me, wearing a dress of rich jewel-toned blue that goes all the way down to the floor. There is a gold ribbon tied in her hair.
    â€œStop talking about Penelope,” Nancy whispers drunkenly to her husband once she spots Margaret. “We don’t want to upset her daughter, the poor thing.”
    Poor thing is right , I think sullenly as I watch my cousin descend the stairs. If only they really knew.
    Margaret’s smile is empty as she approaches. “Hello, everyone,” she says after she’s reached my side, nodding at Gregory and Nancy. “I sure hope dinner is ready soon, because I am starving.”
    â€œMe, too,” Nancy says with a hiccup, emptying her glass of what little gin remains. “The food here was always divine, a perfect fit for an estate that’s practically royal. You two are the luckiest girls in the world.”
    â€œNo, we’re not,” Margaret says with unmistakable bite. “Both of our mothers are dead.”
    I feel myself blush in the awkward pause