“What about your mother and Lorelei?”
“They’ve always tended to let the men talk.” He shrugged. “I imagine it’s easier than trying to get a word in.”
Zita couldn’t imagine any of the women in her family being silent. Even the foster girls had their opinions. If she was supposed to be seen, but not heard, she might be in bigger trouble than she’d thought. She sighed. At least she’d have Fay and Lorelei to talk to.
The dinner was being held at a hotel not too far from David’s apartment. When they arrived, only a few people were there. Zita recognized Bob, Fay and Lorelei, and assumed the dark-haired man standing with them was David’s brother Grant. With them were Governor Harding and a woman she guessed was his wife.
The woman frowned when she saw Zita with David. Zita braced herself. She would be polite and non-confrontational.
“David. Zita.” Fay smiled as she turned to them. She air kissed David’s cheeks. “Lovely to see you.” She held out her hand to Zita.
“How are you, Fay?” Zita asked as she shook it.
“Very well. Let me introduce you. This is my very close friend, Hillary Harding. Hillary, this is Zita.”
Hillary gave Zita a cold nod.
Zita smiled at her, not sure why she was getting the cold shoulder.
“And if I can interrupt my husband...” Fay put a hand on Bob’s arm. “Darling, meet David’s date, Zita.”
He turned. “Where do I know you from?” he asked.
Zita’s stomach clenched. “We met briefly at the refugee symposium last year.”
He continued to frown as if he was trying to remember.
“Zita, this is Governor Jesse Harding, and my youngest son, Grant.”
She shook the older man’s hand.
Bob clicked his fingers together. “You spilled wine on David.”
“Yes.” If that’s all he remembered, it would be a good thing.
“You think we should let everyone in, don’t you?”
Zita winced. She didn’t want to get into a discussion about this. Not when she was on her best behavior. “Not at all, but I do support helping those whose lives are in danger.”
David opened his mouth to say something, but Bob was faster. “Everyone says they’re fleeing from something. They want to bring their problems over here, infect another country.”
Be polite. “Some of my foster sisters want to be educated so they can go home and fight the issues there. They need a safe place where they can get an education.”
He snorted. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”
Zita didn’t comment. It was better if the subject was dropped.
“Bob, your guests are arriving,” Fay said, nodding toward the entrance. “Perhaps we can discuss this later.”
Bob glanced over and grunted. Then he straightened his posture, put on a huge grin, and went to meet his guests.
Zita let out a quiet breath. Was this an indication of what it would be like each time she saw Bob? Would all family events be full of this tension? Had it been a mistake to fall in love with David? He hadn’t even stood up for her. He couldn’t possibly still agree with his father, could he?
“Sorry,” David murmured. “I didn’t think he’d be so... rude.”
She forced a smile. “It’s fine.”
“Zita, I must thank you for convincing David to step down,” Lorelei said. “I’ve already started work at Dionysus.” She was immaculately dressed in a navy blue evening dress.
