I pull up behind my sister’s car and park. I have a fleeting thought about what will happen to my car when I leave for GiliTelu. I have to add that to the never-ending list of things to handle before I go back.
“Nothing, really. Be with him. Cook dinner.” I can’t keep the bitterness from my tone as I turn my body toward him. “I told you, Bali was a big eye-opener for me. I haven’t been acting like the main character in my own life for a long time. I couldn’t be more thankful that David’s afraid of flying.”
“I’m pretty thankful for that too.” How is he so gorgeous without even trying? He’s too big for my little Volkswagen Jetta, too tan for fall in Upstate New York, but he’s perfect for me.
“My mom’s name is Rachel and she’s a real animal-lover, so she’ll probably talk your ear off. My dad, Scott, is a little on the shy side, but once he gets to know you, he’ll open up. If he invites you to play darts, then you’ll know you’ve made it. You’re part of the family for life.”
He tucks a strand of wild hair behind my ear as I straighten my clothes reflexively. “I know, beautiful. We went over this already. Are you nervous?”
“I don’t want to be. It’s not about you. Or my decision. Just…” I flap my hands, trying to indicate everything. “Lisa can be a bit of a drama queen if she feels like she’s not getting enough attention. Honestly, I think she’s jealous of her own baby sometimes. I don’t know. Maybe this is a bad idea. Should we just turn around?”
“Too late for that.” He bobs his head and I turn to see Dad waving at us from the front porch. Steven lifts a hand back and we step out of the car, bracing for the worst.
Chapter 26
Steven
Junie’s family does not bloody know what to make of me. It would be funny if it wasn’t so awkward.
She greets her dad with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and he holds out his hand to me for a proper shake. The way she steadily tensed up about this dinner throughout the day has me uncharacteristically nervous as well, but her father has a kind look in his eye.
“From all the way Down Under!” he cries, clapping a hand to my shoulder.
“Crikey mate, I’m right chuffed to be here,” I smirk, playing up the accent. It’s worth it for the surprised smile Junie shoots my way. I roll my neck to loosen the stiffness.
“Well come on in, your mother is all in a state. And the baby’s here!” Scott leads us into the house. “To be honest, that’s why I’ve been outside, enjoying the fresh air. Lots of noise in there.”
But as we step into the living room, all sound and motion stop. The temperature seems to drop several degrees.
“Look who’s here!” Scott announces as if he doesn’t notice the shift.
“Hey guys.” Junie’s voice seems smaller than usual. Her shoulders are hunched. “This is Steven.” Her hand on my bicep is tight, cutting off the circulation.
“G’day! Nice to meet everyone, I’ve heard so much about you.” I meet each of their eyes in turn.
A young woman with long lavender hair sits on the couch, a baby propped on her knee. The child tilts its scrunched up face back and lets out a howl like a banshee.
“My sister, Lisa, and Baby Luna.” Junie gestures.
“Sick tats,” I say, burying the uncomfortable feeling that she doesn’t want me here. I can’t afford to be quiet and closed off with Junie’s family. If I want to stay in her life, I have to win them over. Lisa’s arms are covered in dark ink with swirls of color and it’s bloody badass. It’s an easy compliment.
Lisa flashes a quick smile before turning her attention back to the baby, bouncing, shushing, and rubbing their noses together, careful to avoid her septum ring.
“Welcome back, Junebug. We missed you.” Her mum doesn’t miss a beat, taking her daughter in her arms and wrapping her tight. I can still feel them all assessing me and I fight to keep my arms from crossing.
After seeing David, I can kind of understand their reactions. I’m bigger, scragglier, and have the rough and tumble look of someone who spends most of their time outside. I feel like a giant in this family and the careful dance they’re doing around each other only highlights our differences.
How would Junie feel if she ever met my family? Not just my brothers, but even my Mum could probably crush her with one arm. And she’d have trouble even getting a word in. This silenceis eerie. I hope I’m not making anyone uncomfortable, but this awkwardness seems to stem from something deeper than a stranger in their midst.
“Dinner’s just about ready,” Rachel says with a tight smile. “We can’t wait to hear all about your little trip, honey!”
Junie grimaces and I reach for her hip without thinking. She relaxes in my arms and it soothes my protective instincts. I want to save her from these people. I want to pack her up and take her away. But this is her family; just because I don’t understand it doesn’t mean it’s bad.
“Wine, anyone?” she asks, holding up the two bottles we brought. It made me smile to see Yellowtail on the shelf at the supermarket, an Australian brand.
“Please.” I’m tempted to follow her into the kitchen to avoid any more awkwardness, but my mum raised me to be more polite. The sister is intimidating, especially after those texts, but I never bothered to bring them up to Junie. I didn’t want her to think I was going through her phone.
It’s dawning on me how little we really know about each other. Well, this is my chance to find out about her life. I plop myself down on the couch beside Lisa and the baby.
