Maya's POV
The rich aroma of grilled meat greeted me as I pushed through my parents' front gate. Sunday barbecue at the Hayes house was sacred tradition. Dad manning the grill while Mom fussed that he always cooked enough to feed an army.
Silas's voice boomed from the backyard. "About time! I was starting to think you'd abandon us for store-bought burgers."
Mom emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her favorite floral apron. "Look at you, nothing but skin and bones! That cramped apartment isn't doing you any favors."
"Always the warm welcome," I said, tossing my purse onto the familiar couch.
In the backyard, Penelope had already claimed bartender duties, cracking open beers for Dad. I planted a kiss on his weathered cheek, inhaling the comforting mix of charcoal and cologne.
"Couldn't stay away from your famous steaks, could I?"
"Smart girl," Silas chimed in. "Unlike some fancy suit types who probably think fine dining means caviar and champagne instead of real food."
