I don’t want him getting all riled up but it’s too late. His face turns bright red and eyes burn crazy-like.
“I didn’t raise you to live with a woman in sin.”
“No, Dad, you didn’t.” I leave out the part how he didn’t raise me at all.
While he was saving our country, I was brought up by my sister. My real mom thought partying was more important than lunch money.
God, if you got any mercy at all, you need to end this dreadful meal before it gets worse.
Samantha delicately wipes the edges of her mouth with a napkin and as she reaches for seconds, her elbow knocks my water glass over. Delicate stemware crashes to the wood floor, splintering in pieces.
“Oh dear, I am so sorry.” She squats to pick up the pieces and I join her.
“Nice move.” I mutter while picking at the shards.
My sister jumps up with her mouth open, walks around the table, and stares at the wreckage. “Those were my granny’s best stemware.”
“I promise, to replace it. I’m not usually so clumsy.” Sam sounds sincere enough to win an Oscar.
“They’re antique. You won’t be able to but thank you for the offer. Here.” My sister reaches into a closet, then hands me a brush and dust bin.
My crotch took the brunt of the spill which I intend to use as an escape clause but before I can dump the broken glass, my father’s wife starts up again.
“I expect y’all to come to church tonight and meet with Pastor Ernest. He can help arrange for a proper wedding.”
“Wearegetting married in the church.” Sam’s tone holds an edge of irritation and my dad picks up on it.
Deathly pale and gray, he stands. “You’re Catholic, right? I heard you two claimed to find some miracle last Christ-”
“What of it?” I knew this would happen and yet couldn’t prevent it. I never should’ve let Sam visit with me.
“Thou shalt not put false Gods before me!” His fist pounds on the table, my two nephews’ eyes go wide, and another glass topples.
Stephanie pleads with her eyes. “Please, Sebbie. Don’t upset him. Just agree to meet with our pastor.”
Sam waits for me to decide. She’s no doubt thinking, what’s the big deal?
At the head of the table, my father wobbles, then sits.
Why can’t we simply share a meal like any normal family?
“How about we all finish our meal with no more talk of religion?” Glaring, I dare anyone to argue and as we manage to have a few civil moments of regular talk, my mind wanders.
Before he remarried, Dad wasn’t a fanatic. I think my real mom fucking every male within forty miles, broke him.
Lost in the past, I almost miss the conversation getting personal again.
“So, you both own a detective agency.” Sue folds her hands in her laps and Sam smiles brightly.
“Yes. It’s doing really well. Pretty soon, we can hire on more people and maybe open a branch in the city.”
“I assume, then you’ll stop working?” Sue stands. “Excuse me while I get our dessert.”
Sam scoops up empty plates and follows her into the kitchen. “Huh? No. Why? I don’t plan on it.”
Standing, I balance more plates on my arms and place them in the sink.
Hands on her hips, Stephanie glowers at my fiancé. “Well, how y’all goin’ to take care of your children?”
