“Purebred,” Nikko calls.
“Brown and soft,” Alex adds.
“Her father,” my mom says very carefully, “has been dead for sixteen years.”
“Fifteen,” I correct automatically.
The table erupts.
Everyone’s talking at once. Laughing. Maya looks confused—she missed the original lie, and is only catching up now. But everyone else is having the time of their lives at my expense.
“Dylan.” Dimitri’s trying to look serious but failing. “I want to know about Winston. The puppy. How is he settling in?”
“Baba, please?—”
“What? I want to know about the package.” He’s fully committed now. Leaning forward. Invested.
“There’s a puppy package?” Maya looks delighted. “Dylan, you have to tell us.”
“I really don’t.”
“She really does,” Nikko says, coming to sit down now. “Come on. We’ve been waiting for this update.”
I look at Alex. She’s trying so hard not to laugh that tears are forming in her eyes.
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” I hiss at her.
“I am on your side.” She’s absolutely not. “But you did tell Dom that your dad got a wiener dog. A purebred. Brown and soft. You described him in detail.”
“You what?” Sofia is dying. Actually dying. Holding her stomach. “Dylan. A wiener dog?”
“It was—” I can’t even explain. “Dom asked about Dad and I panicked and?—”
“You’ve been lying about this for five years,” Dimitri says, but he’s smiling. That warm, knowing smile that saysI see you and I love you anyway.“Five years,korítsι mou. Your poor dead father has had quite the adventure.”
“He’s had health scares,” Alex adds helpfully.
“A knee replacement,” I mutter.
“The grandchildren from his first marriage,” my mom contributes.
“That was ONE TIME.” I’m defensive now. “Dom asked if I had siblings and I panicked?—”
“So you gave your dead father another family.” Sofia is making the sign of the cross. “Panagia mou.The lies.”
“In my defense,” I say, “I was twenty-two and stupid.”
“You’re twenty-seven and still doing it,” Nikko points out.
“Because I’m in too deep!” My voice is rising. “What am I supposed to do? Tell Domoh by the way, that dad I’ve beentelling you about for five years? Dead since I was twelve. Sorry for the confusion?”
“Yes,” everyone says in unison.
“You people are not helpful.”
“We’re very helpful,” Dimitri says. “We help you remember the details. Alex keeps the timeline. Your mother plays along when Dom sends packages?—”
“The puppy gift package arrived yesterday,” Mom interrupts. “Squeaky toys. Very nice ones. I’m saving them for the church silent auction.”
