My stomach clenches.
“I thought it was nice of Fran and your father to extend an invitation,” Jabari replies smoothly.
“Then it had nothing to do with wanting to chat with yourfriendmore?”
Yep, she is fuming. I roll the fork in my hand, eyes fixed on Jabari. He doesn’t look tense, nor surprised by her comment.
“F-friend?” Dad sputters.
“She was a factor, yes.” Jabari wipes his mouth.
“Friend?” Dad echoes. Ann places a hand on his arm.
“Who are you talking about?” Isaac asks.
Ollie bangs his cup on the highchair. Too bad he’s three seats down and out of my range. I’d pick him up to look innocent.
“Apparently Val and Jabari have become friends.” A snide look crosses Jackie’s face. “Isn’t that sweet?”
Now everyone’s gaze is fastened to me. Jabari mouths,Sorry, as I work out the right words.
“What is your sister talking about?” Dad asks. “Why would you make friends with a cheater?”
I can literally feel the blood leaving my face, but it emboldens me. I’m done playing the shrinking violet.Go big or go home,Val.“Some people deserve a second chance. Especially when other information comes into play, and you realize what you’ve always believed might not be one hundred percent fact.” I stare pointedly at Jackie.
Her face pales.
“Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Dad’s voice booms.
“Don, please.” Ann hushes him.
“I think I side with him.” Isaac hooks a thumb in Dad’s direction. “We’ve tiptoed around Jackie and Jabari, and now Val is friends with this playboy?”
“You do realize his mother is right there, right?” Fran says. “Let someone talk about my child like that, and I wouldn’t be as gracious as she’s being.”
Jackie snorts. “Like you have the maturity to raise a child.”
I wince.Direct hit.Nothing like a little sibling rivalry to bring out the battleships. Only I’ve been hit too many times today to come to Fran’s aid.
“Oh, and you were so mature when you had Ollieorwhen you dated Jabari?”
“You guys, people are starting to pay attention,” I interject. “It’s not a good look.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have kept things a secret,” Jackie snaps.
“Yeah, becauseIstarted it,” I volley back.
“Sounds like there are secrets all around, and we should do like Val suggests. We’ll continue this discussion at home.” Dad spreads out his hands like that’s the end of discussion.
“I have my own home.” Jackie throws down her napkin. “I won’t be treated like this nor summoned to get a lecture from you.”
I rub the center of my forehead. As soon as stuff doesn’t go her way, Jackie acts self-righteous. Every. Single. Time.
“Grow up, Jackie.”
The table freezes, and I realize the words fell from my lips.Crap.But I won’t take it back. She does need to grow up and own up to her own mistakes. Like lying about a supposed cheating boyfriend.
“It won’t kill you to go to Dad’s and discuss this privately,” I continue. In for a penny, and all that.
