But I smile anyway. Laugh when Dimitri suggests Winston needs a sweater for winter walks. Contribute details about the fake dog’s fake personality.
Because this is what performance looks like.
And I’m very, very good at it.
Even when it’s killing me.
The food keeps coming. Dimitri has this sixth sense. Your plate gets half empty, he’s there refilling it. Your water glass drops below half, he’s pouring more. You’re full? Too bad. Eat anyway.
“Baba, I’m full.”
“Full?” He looks personally offended. “You barely touched the lamb.”
“I ate three helpings.”
“That’s an appetizer.” He’s already adding more to my plate. “In Greece, we don’t count helpings. We eat until we’re happy.”
“I’m happy.”
“You’re miserable. I can see it.” He sets the serving spoon down. His hand on my shoulder. “So eat. Food helps.”
If only it were that simple.
“Dimitri, Dylan weighs more than I do,” Maya tries to help.
“Exactly! You’re both too skinny!” He’s outraged. Personally offended that the women in his life aren’t eating enough. “Sofia, tell them.”
“You’re both too skinny.” Sofia doesn’t even look up from cutting food for Eleni.
My mom just shakes her head. “Don’t bother arguing. I’ve been trying for fifteen years.”
Nikko returns from the kitchen with dessert. Baklava. Fresh, dripping with honey, still warm.
“Nikko, they’re full.” My mother hides her smile.
“They’re not full. Look at them.” Sofia replies without looking over.
“I’m looking.” Nikko sets the dessert down anyway. “They look traumatized.”
“From your cooking, maybe.” Alex tries to joke.
But Nikko doesn’t smile. Just looks at his sister. Then at me. That look again. The one that sayswe need to talk and you know it.
“Can I talk to you?” he says quietly. To me. Not Alex. “In the hallway?”
My stomach drops.
Alex’s hand tightens on mine under the table.
“Now?” I try to sound casual. Confused, even. Like I have no idea why he’d want to talk.
“Just for a second.”
Alex’s eyes meet mine. Her look says:Don’t.
But I can’t refuse. That would be more suspicious.
“Yeah. Okay.” I stand. My legs feel shaky.
