Chapter 16
Garrett
Prim is setting the table when I enter the dining room. She gives me an eager smile, ever hopeful I’ll see her in a new light. I look away after a quick grin, trying not to lead her on.
Everyone else is seated except Ali, who’s bringing out the serving dishes.
Ali’s gaze shies away from mine. It’s clear to see she hasn’t forgiven my surly demeanor towards her. Nor should she.
“Tammy!” Prim enthuses. “Is it true you’re gonna play Purple Legion in that superhero franchise!”
Hank’s mood grows dark. “I don’t wanna hear about any—”
But before he can finish, Norma Jean says, “Well, you don’t have a choice.”
Hand blinks, his jaw gaping open.
“Now, what is this I hear about a superhero movie?” Norma Jean says.
“It’s nothing.” Ali takes her seat at the table.
“Well, Prim’s all excited about it, and I must admit, I’ve never heard of a Purple Legion before,” Norma Jean says.
“I’m gonna play this girl that picked up a parasite in an alternate dimension. The parasite gives her powers, and there are so many they’re referred to as legion.”
“Buncha dumb bullshit,” Hank grumbles.
“Look,” Norma Jean snaps, “we’ve been given a gift. After years, we have our daughter back. Now, we can go on grumbling, upset, muttering things under our breath, or we can choose to enjoy her company.”
The table is silent for a moment, but Prim knows exactly how to cut through it like a knife.
“I bought the series right before dinner. I made Jake take me. I’m missing number three.”
Ali smiles, looking a little more relaxed. “I’ll make sure to get that one to you.”
Hank’s face softens, almost as if he’s relieved. Like he had to be told it was okay to love Ali again.
I try like hell to avoid looking directly at Ali, but that’s damn near impossible. She’s all I think about from the moment I wake up to when my head hits the pillow. She’s even invaded my dreams with her silky voice and enchanting laugh.
“Ali cooked us dinner tonight,” Norma Jean says.
“It tastes delicious,” Prim lies from across the table.
And how do I know it is a lie? Because I’m eating the exact same meal she is, and I swear, I damn near chipped a tooth on a rock-hard biscuit.
Hank chokes down a bite, giving Ali a polite smile. It warms my heart to see him acting warmly towards his beloved, estranged daughter.
It also breaks my heart to know that I’ve betrayed him.
I eat a spoonful of watery gravy, then another, as if it’s some form of penance.
God, I hope it doesn’t kill me.
Prim starts gagging, and when Hank casts her a darting gaze, she quickly coughs, thumping her chest with her fist.
“Sorry,” she chokes out. “It was just so good, I ate too quickly.”
Jake snickers and Norma Jean politely covers her mouth with a napkin as she laughs.
