“That went well, don’t you think?” Fran studies me.
“How am I supposed to eat after this?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll be here.”
As much as I’m annoyed with Fran for orchestrating this, I can’t deny the feeling of relief now that Jackie knows. We leave the restroom and soon find our family seated at a table along with Jabari and Ms. Hall. The only two spots open are the ones right across from them. Ms. Hall looks at me, and I give a slight nod.
Understanding crosses her face, then sympathy. She squeezes Jabari’s elbow, and he leans down as she whispers in his ear. His mouth drops, but then he straightens and looks directly my way. Iknowhe can’t see the expression on my face, but that doesn’t matter. The fact that he’s trying to offer comfort across the table with awkwardness raining around us is enough to lift my spirit.
“So, Jabari, haven’t seen you in a long time.” Dad breaks the ice with the obvious. He’s taken the spot at the end, and we’re all watching him.
“It has been a while.”
“How’s life been treating you?”
I glance at Jabari. No way he’s going to share about his eyesight, right?
“It’s been better.”
“I’m sorry to hear about the concussion. Has it been slow healing?”
“It has.”
My throat tightens. He’s been through so much, and now he’s here for what? A family inquisition?
“Will you make a full recovery?”
“Respectfully, that’s not something I wish to talk about.”
“Right, right.” Dad clears his throat. “You remember my girls? Jackie, especially, don’t you?”
Jabari nods and scans the table. Did his mom tell him where everyone is sitting? I want to be the one next to him and letting him know there’s nothing to worry about. Yes, my family has been on Jackie’s side since they broke up, but honestly, I’m the one that matters right now. I believe Jabari.
So why haven’t you toldhim that?I need to remedy that soon.
“I do.”
“Jackie’s now married. Found a man who would never cheat on her.”
Wow,Dad. Way to go for thejugular.
“Uh, congrats?” He turns toward Jackie, so apparently he does know who’s sitting where.
“Mm,” she replies. She turns to throw a dagger my way.
If Dad sees, he says nothing. “How long are you visiting, Ms. Hall?”
“Oh, call me Paula. I’m staying for a week, then going back home. I have a job to return to.”
Dad looks surprised. “You work? I guess gone are the days when our children are willing to take care of us.”
Now it’s my turn to use eye daggers. What is wrong with Dad? Right. He’s operating on outdated information, which means I shouldn’t be too upset.
“Actually, Jabari bought my house. I don’t need to work, but idle hands are never a good thing, hence the part-time job.”
I grin at her, and she returns a small smile.
“It’s so interesting you agreed to lunch,” Jackie speaks.
