As we walk, the fragrance of roasted meat grows stronger with every step.
Stan inhales and lets out a sound of approval. “If this smells half as good as it tastes,” he says, “I am going to embarrass all of us by making noises that should stay in the bedroom.”
Warmth spreads across my cheeks. Nil stays close at my side, matching my pace. “You holding up alright?” he asks, low enough that Stan keeps talking.
“Yes,” I say, after a brief consideration. “I am.”
He nods, seeming satisfied with the answer, though his attention lingers a moment longer before he faces forward.
Stan appears rather energized by the promise of dinner. “I mean, ideally there’s a sauce,” he says. “If it’s dry, I’m going to take it personally.”
“Seems like you always do,” Nil retorts.
“And you love that about me, babe.”
Nil huffs almost silently.
Soon, the dining hall opens up before us. A single table runs nearly the length of the room. At one end, Kaye is seated and talking, her leg crossed over the other as she gestures animatedly with her fork. Another woman with long, brown hair sits beside her, posture relaxed, and listening with a smile, while a man with short, silver-white hair occupies the seat at the far end, appearing attentive but reserved.
Kaye looks up as we enter, smirking wide. “Perfect timing,” she says, pointing the fork at the other two. “Em, this is Elle, my bestie, and her hubby and my half-brother, Sterling.”
The silver-haired man frowns. “Hubby?” he mouths, looking displeased.
Between them, Elle giggles and reaches for my hand, which she shakes slightly. “Nice to meet you, Em. I’ve heard great things about you.”
“Likewise,” I say.
Nil pulls out a chair for me. Once I take it, he sits on my right and Stan on my left.
While Kaye asks Elle excitedly about her birthday plans, Stan reaches for the serving platter and starts filling my plate. Nil grabs a glass, filling it with water before placing it by my utensils.
Their unexpected coordination captures my attention curiously. Iglance between them, then back to my plate, feeling warmth rise in me, slower this time, reaching down into my chest.
Across the table, Kaye laughs loudly at something Elle has said. “Oh,please,” Kaye says, waving her fork. “You loved the idea of fireworks right up until Sterling said it’d spook some dogs.”
Sterling lowers his browline. “It does. Some people with PTSD too.”
“It really does,” Stan says around a mouthful of food. “Elle, you don’t need to cause chaos at your birthday party. You deserve some nice and smooth fun.”
Kaye points at him. “You’rethe one who ruinedmybirthday party by setting up a bounce house in my damn backyard!”
“It wasfunand not traumatizing anybody!” Stan replies. “Besides, everyone remembers it, which is the goal.”
Elle laughs, covering her mouth as she chews. I smile a tad at the adorable sight, especially when Sterling carefully and quietly pours more tea from a pot into her cup.
Conversation continues, but my attention’s taken away when Nil nudges my knee lightly under the table. “Got everything you need?” he whispers.
“Yes,” I answer, after a quick check. “Thank you.”
Nil’s lips curve faintly upwards, then he turns back toward the conversation.
Kaye launches into another story, this one involving a confused caterer, who didn’t know how to fulfill her request to serve a dessert called halo-halo. I’ve never heard of it, but the way she describes the chilled dessert with all sorts of sweet toppings… I begin imagining having some, and suddenly, it’s all my stomach wants.
As dinner passes, Stan interjects freely, correcting details, and embellishing others, while Elle adds commentary that sends Kaye into fresh laughter. Sterling listens with a long-suffering expressionthat never quite hides his fondness toward his family.
I lower my gaze to my plate and take a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, I listen as the conversation flows around me.
Under the table, Nil’s knee touches mine once more. Warmth returns tenfold, thrumming through my entire body. And I don’t move away, aware of how I’m simply sitting among people who ask nothing of me.
