This was Brian's father, Frankie Hughes.

"Grandma, Dad." Brian greeted the two of them.

Rosalynn followed suit and extended her greetings too.

Frankie gave the couple a fleeting glance, acknowledging them with a nod but no words.

“Debora, it's been a while."

After greeting Debora, Noemi shot Frankie a small nod.

The strained nature of their relationship was clear.

Had Brian not been married, the two would Likely never met again.

“Please, have a seat." Debora smiled kindly and motioned everyone to take their seats.

“Is everyone here?" Noemi questioned Frankie.

Frankie looked at his wristwatch before responding, "I invited Barlow as well. He should be on his way."

Barlow?

Brian squinted at Frankie and said, “Dad, you invited Barlow? Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

"We're all family. With his return, a family dinner seems appropriate,"

Frankie responded, his expression unreadable.

Just a dinner?

Rosalynn felt a pang in her chest. An uneasy feeling was settling in.

“Miss Fuller, could you clarify your connection with Barlow?" Noemi asked, out of the blue.

She addressed her as Miss Fuller.

And she wanted her to spill out her relationship with Barlow.

Had Noemi caught wind of something?

Rosalynn shot Noemi a quick glance and pressed her lips together.