“Alice. Declan. How are you?” Mom asks, standing from the couch.
“I’m fine,” I say. It’s a rote answer and not how I’m actually doing. It’s not like I would ever tell her I’m nervous as hell to be here. Her coming to the shop the other day and now this? It all feels a little too much.
“Mr. Burke. It’s nice to see you.” Declan drops my hand to walk over and shake Dad’s.
“The Black Diamonds are looking good this year,” he tells him.
“Well, we have a good team,” he agrees, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “It's been fun getting to play for them.”
“Hopefully another trade isn’t in your future.”
“Dad,” I scoff. “Don’t say that.”
He eyes me, like he can’t believe I spoke to him like that.
“He’s a professional athlete, Alice. It can happen at any time.”
“Hopefully it won’t,” Declan says.
“I think he’s proven himself to the team,” I defend.
“And all it would take is one injury to end your career. I hope you’re investing wisely,” Dad tells him.
I shake my head. Of course this is my dad’s biggest concern.
“Can I get a glass of wine while we wait for dinner?” I ask.
Dad shakes his head. “Dinner is already ready.”
“It is?” I ask.
The hair on my arms stands on end. If there’s one thing I know about my parents, it’s that there is always time for a cocktail. How else would they look down their noses on people? Namely, me.
“Yes. We have some things to discuss with you.” Dad gives me a pointed look before glancing at Declan. “Withbothof you.”
My parents both head into the dining room together. It seems my feet are glued to the hardwood floors.
“You okay?” Declan whispers.
“Not even close.”
“I’m here.”
I try to give him a reassuring look, but based on the pinch between his brows, I don’t convey it.
Walking into the dining room, plates are already set up. Mom takes her seat next to Dad, who sits at the head of the table. We take the two seats opposite Mom.
Mashed potatoes and peas. Chicken. Nothing overly fancy, but I’m going to have to feign interest in eating because I don’t think I can swallow down anything.
“Are you going to tell us why you had us join you tonight?” I ask.
Taking the napkin and laying it across my lap, I grab my fork and push my peas around.
“Where are your manners, Alice?” Mom snaps. “You don’t start conversations like that. Have we taught you nothing?”
They clearly have because I don’t roll my eyes at them.
“You said you had something you wanted to discuss with us, and I can’t help wondering what that might be.”
