Elliot was lying through his teeth, but Ben had no reply.

Of all the years they had known each other, Ben had never once seen Elliot in a sweater.

Although, perhaps a sweater that Avery knitted for him was much more meaningful than one that was bought with money.

"Your mom called me saying your nephew was discharged from the hospital," Ben said. "She wants you to go home for dinner tonight."

"She can tell me that herself," Elliot said.

"Did she upset you recently? She was pretty cautious when she talked to me earlier. Don't be mad at your mom, Elliot. There's nothing like a mother's love in this world—"

"Please stop talking."

Ben burst into laughter.

"Do you want to go back to the old mansion for dinner with Avery?"

Elliot thought for a moment, then said, "Didn't you say she's been busy knitting?"

"That's true! There's only a week left. I wonder how she's doing."

…

When Elliot arrived at the old mansion that night, Rosalie was beside herself with joy.

Everyone else, on the