“So, what’s for dinner?” I interject, wishing I could kick the shit out of Lincoln’s shin under the table.
“Lobster risotto, for a starter,” Chef says, giving Kate a slight reprieve.
This family hasn’t had anyone new to harass since Jessa joined the family, and it shows. They all seem like eager sharks, ready to pounce at the first sight of blood. Maybe this was an absolutely horrible fucking idea. Yet…having someone I care about at the family dinner table for a change feels right.
No matter how invasive and ridiculous my family can be, I love them more than anything and it feels right having Kate here.
We’re all presented with our food, which is fantastic as always.
“This is amazing, thank you,” Kate directs to the chef and our mother.
“Chef always does an amazing job. I’m just happy to have one of the empty seats at the table filled. Going back to Lincoln’s question, so you’re all just friends?” my mom asks.
Kate’s cheeks are bright fucking pink as she clears her throat.
“If you’ll excuse me. Where’s the restroom?” she directs the question at my mother, who points down the hall.
Kate places her napkin politely on the table, looking down at the floor as she scurries away to the bathroom.
“What the fuck is wrong with you all?” I ask collectively to the table.
Lincoln rolls his eyes. “Oh, please. This is on you. Why did you invite her if?—”
“Please, just stop being a dick,” I say, pointing at him.
“Dick,” Brynn repeats in her seat next to her mother, happily eating her risotto.
“We really have to work on the bad language,” my aunt Holly says from the side of the table.
“Well, if everyone would f-u-c-k-ing stop cursing,” Penny hisses under her breath.
My mother clears her throat. “Are…are things more complicated with Kate?” she asks, glancing between me and Ben.
“Mom,” Ben whines and she throws her hands up.
“Listen. We love you no matter what.”
“Yeah, I mean look at Lincoln,” Aiden says, speaking for the first time since sitting down.
I rub my temples and sigh. “If everyone in this family could just be friendly to Kate, not scare her off and just be polite, I would appreciate it.”
“But…” my mom says. I know she doesn’t like my non answer.
“As soon as I know where we stand with Kate, I’ll let you know,” I reply, leaving it at that.
It’s not a shock to my brothers or their wives, and also not surprising to my parents or aunt and uncle?
“You boys always did do everything together,” my dad says unhelpfully.
Everyone at the table is snickering and laughing under their breath as I run a hand through my hair.
“Can you go make sure she’s okay?” I ask Ben.
He swallows thickly but nods. He’s better with comfort, with smoothing things over, and I know he’ll be able to calm her nerves better than I will.
“Now, when she get’s back, everyone is to be on their best fucking behavior, got it?”
“Fuck,” Brynn whispers under her little toddler breath, and I get a sick little sense of satisfaction when Lincoln seems slightly irritated.
