“Gerald was a mission president,” Brigitte said with another of those laughs.
“The blue cup principle,” Gerald said, “means if your leaders tell you only to drink out of a blue cup, you only drink out of a blue cup.”
The crackle of the fire filled the space inside Tean’s head.His mouth started moving before he realized he was speaking.“And if your leaders tell you—”
Jem’s fingers bit into his knee, but Jem’s voice held that same smooth friendliness when he said, “Where were you a mission president?”
“I’m drinking Coke!”announced the boy—Milo, Tean thought, the name buzzing inside his head.
“Argentina,” Gerald said with a dark look at Tean.“Nowthosepeople understand the meaning of obedience.”
“Nobody introduced us,” Jem said to the boy.He held out his hand.“I’m Jem.”
The boy stared at him, but he said, “Mom said your name is Jeremiah.”
“That’s my full name.But I like my friends to call me Jem.What’s your name?”
“Milo.”
“Shake his hand,” Gerald barked.
After a moment, the boy did.Then Jem let out a yelp and twisted in his seat.“Help!Help!He’s too strong!”
Giggling, the boy doubled-down on the shake, wringing Jem’s hand.He bumped the table.Glasses rocked.Silverware clattered.Gerald’s breathing got heavier, and Brigitte got halfway to her feet and in a voice starting to shrill, said, “Okay, boys, that’s enough!”
The light in Milo’s face died, and he sank back into his seat.
“Hi,” Jem said to the girl, offering her his hand as well.“I’m Jem.”
“I’m Maeve.”
“That’s a pretty name.I’ve never heard that before.Tean has a cool name too—this is Tean.”
Maeve waved at him from across the table, and Tean waved back.
“Is he your boyfriend?”Milo asked.
“Milo,” Brigitte snapped.The color was high in her cheeks.She did that nervous laugh again.“I’m sorry—”
“You don’t need to be sorry,” Jem said, and although the friendliness was still there, it was wearing thin.“Yes, Tean’s my boyfriend.”
Milo laughed like this was hilarious.Maeve’s eyes got huge.
“Sit up straight,” Gerald said to Milo.“You’re making a scene.”
Milo quieted.
Everyone quieted.
Fortunately, at that point, the waiter came to ask about drinks.Jem got Diet Coke.Tean asked for water.When the waiter asked about appetizers, Gerald waved the question away like it wasn’t worth answering, and the waiter retreated.
Silence dropped over the table again.
Jem, of course, was the first one to speak.“Gerald, what line of work are you in?”
“Gerald’s retired,” Brigitte said.“He worked in consulting.”
“Tell me you play golf,” Jem said with a grin.
