“Supper’s on, y’all!” Mom called.
They exchanged greetings with Sean, then gathered around the table. Dad said grace and moments later they dug into the food.
They made small talk, mostly Mom and Dad asking about Liam’s life and his upbringing because “Chloe’s hardly told us a thing about you.”
In broad strokes he painted a picture of an ordinary suburb upbringing with his single mom. Chloe had a feeling he’d omitted a lot, glossed over some things. He didn’t reveal anything he hadn’t already divulged to dozens of reporters. But that was all right. He didn’t have to wear his heart on his sleeve.
“I’d love to meet her someday,” Mom said. “She must be so proud of you.”
“Yes, ma’am. I mean Millie. She’d like that for sure.”
Dad cleared his throat. “How did you decide you wanted to be an actor, Liam? That seems like quite the undertaking.”
“I was in a couple high school productions and really enjoyed it. The director of theater encouraged me to pursue it in college as a minor.” He flashed a smile. “But I decided to skip college altogether and just go for it. Moved to Hollywood right after graduation.”
“Seems it’s worked out pretty well,” Mom said.
Liam chuckled. “Believe me, I paid my dues working minimum-wage jobs.”
“Why’s it so dark in here?” Sean asked.
Mom patted his shoulder. “It’s called ambience, honey. More potatoes, Liam?”
“Yes, please. And this chicken is delicious. I’ve never had anything quite like it.”
Mom blushed prettily. “Why, thank you, honey.”
She’d made her spicy fried chicken breasts with her special white gravy. “She used to be the chef at Docksiders,” Chloe told Liam. Then, because they were supposed to be a couple, she added, “I’ve probably mentioned that already.”
“I can see why.”
“Mind if I turn on the game?” Sean half rose from his seat.
“Why don’t we wait until we’re finished,” Mom said. “The Braves are probably whupping them anyway.”
Sean fell back into his chair.
“What’s wrong, honey?” Mom asked. “I hope everything’s okay with you and Haden. She seems like a nice girl. Such good manners on that one.”
Since Sean only mumbled something and picked at his food, Chloe spoke up. “They broke up this week. And now he has to find a new produce vendor.”
Sean frowned at her.
What?she mouthed.
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” Mom covered his hand. “The two of you were really cute together. Are you heartbroken?”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “Only over the fresh produce.”
Dad cleared his throat again. “So, uh, filming on the movie starts tomorrow, isn’t that right? You both must be pretty excited about that.”
“Not the filming per se, but the prep work: rehearsals, costume fittings, et cetera. I’ll be pretty busy with that right up to filming, which starts a week from tomorrow.”
Chloe beamed. “He’s doing great with the role. He’s very convincing.”
“No doubt,” Sean said.
Chloe scowled at her brother.
