Lauren:Dinner at Chez Miller!
Lauren:My new boyfriend found evidence! *grinning emoji*
On autopilot, I drive through the pouring rain through the hilly terrain to my parents’ house. Shivering, I park my car. My breath fogs around me as I walk up the slick concrete to the front door.
“Mandy! Two visits in one week!” My mom smiles when she sees me standing there.
I can’t help it—I throw my arms around her.
“You’re soaking wet,” she says. “Come inside and get warm.”
My dad and grandmother are in the sunken living room.
I want to tell them, but after keeping everything a secret for months, it’s hard to get the words out. I need to start telling someone.
“I’ll make you some hot tea,” my mother offers.
I shower then go to my old bedroom and change into some flannel PJs, then I pad out into the living room.
“What do you mean Kenny’s cheating on me?” Amy isscreeching.
“Oh shit.” Gran is deep in the sauce. “I didn’t mean to spill the beans. Lauren had a big announcement.” She offers me a glass of wine.
“Baby,” Kenny whines, “of course I’m not cheating on you. I love you and our little bun in the oven.”
“I love our little bun too.” They kiss noisily.
I drain the wine glass.
“Are you hungry, Mandy?” Mom asks. “I’m making tomato soup and grilled cheese.”
There’s a lump in my throat. I pour myself more wine.
“Any comments from the only Miller sister who hasn’t slept with my dad?” Isabella shoves her phone in my face. “What are your thoughts on the cheating allegation?”
“I have thoughts,” Gran slurs.
“This is why we have dinner at two on Saturdays,” my dad mumbles to himself as he eats a cube of cheese. “She’s not this drunk at two.”
“I think he’s as guilty as O.J.!” Gran shouts at the phone.
Isabella wrinkles her nose. “Who’s O.J.?”
“Kids these days.” Gran throws up her hands. “Let me school you youngsters about the O.J. Simpson trial.” She snatches the phone and starts a garbled rant.
“Where is my Pepperoni?” Isabella begs. “All my fans want to see her. Mandy?”
I can barely get the words out. “She, um… She…”
“Once a cheater, always a cheater,” Lauren crows as she throws the front door open.
“Honestly, Lauren, the neighbors are going to complain,” my mother chides.
My sister stomps into the sunken living room, reeking of vodka cranberry. “You!” she yells at Amy. Clearly Granisn’t the only one pregaming for the family drama. “You are getting the karma justice you deserve.”
“Lying bitch!” Amy shouts. “Don’t you talk about my man like that.”
“He was mine first!”
