Rupert the Pomeranian was wearing his cashmere sweater.
And, somehow, he also had another blanket.
I looked at the dog.
Then at Brooke.
She looked embarrassed.
I almost smiled.
“Nice to see everyone comfortable.”
Brooke glared at me.
“Are you happy?”
“No.”
“Because you seem amused.”
“I’m not amused.”
I looked around.
“I’m disappointed.”
Mom lowered her head.
I walked to the thermostat.
It was set to 68.
I checked the furnace.
The problem wasn’t the gas.
The problem was the ignition system.
I knew that immediately.
Mom stared at
