They peddled gossip about celebrities. They’d manufactured the stories that vilified Eden when she started dating Adam, and then they ran a scathing article on Micah last year, dragging Jo down into the muck with him.
I wanted to ask how an editor at that paper was welcome here.
As if reading my mind, Andrew added, “That’s where Jo used to work.”
I’d known that but forgotten. Everything sort of clicked into place, and I stilled my tongue, thinking the rest of the questions swirling in my mind as nosy and impolite. Instead, I chose to recede and mentally record everything.
With an end to the ordinary business of passing around the condiments and complimenting the chef on the grilled burgers, everyone tore into their food. I’d experienced this scene hundreds of times in my own Indiana suburban backyard. I tried to pretend like this was normal, nibbling on my burger, eavesdropping on the banter between Adam and Eden or the bickering between Eden and her mom.
“Leave it, Mom. He’s fine.”
“He’s going to catch a chill. That blanket’s too flimsy.” Peg turned to Adam. “You talk to her. She’s always been so stubborn.”
Eden threw up her hands. “It’s seventy degrees out here.”
The baby, slumbering in the bouncy seat, appeared perfectly content.
Zion cut his eyes at Andrew. “You really want to have to worry about whether or not a blanket is necessary on a night like this?”
Andrew grimaced. “When you put it like that.”
Peg raised an eyebrow. “Are you thinking of having children?”
Zion showed us his palms, like a stop sign. “Weare not. Andrew is.”
Andrew sighed. “Think how fun it would be. We could dress him up in little outfits and sing to him.”
Adam laughed. “If that’s all you want, you’re free to come play with Joshua.”
It felt like such a nice extended family. Even when they argued or teased, there was so much love. I envied them this community.
Conversation remained light through dinner, and when we started pushing empty plates back, Peg stood to clear. I jumped up to help, but she dismissed me with a wave. “Stay.”
Adam didn’t pay her any mind and loaded the condiments in the crook of his elbow and snagged a couple of empty bottles with his fingers. He returned with fresh beers and set them down in front of Shane, Zion, and Andrew. He tilted one toward me. “Layla?”
I’d already had two, but in what world would I say no to Adam?
Peg came around to give Zion and Andrew a hug. She patted Shane on the shoulder, then knelt by the baby, whispering, “I don’t want to bother him.”
“Are you heading home?” Eden had pulled her feet clear up into her chair, one knee hugged up against her.
“Your dad’s all alone.”
“Despite what he thinks, he doesn’t need a passport to enter the state of New York.”
Peg stood and bent to kiss her daughter’s forehead. “Will you come to church on Sunday?”
Eden closed her eyes with a heavy sigh. “Mom. We were just out there last week.”
“And so?”
Adam laid an arm around Peg’s shoulder. “We’ll come next week, okay?”
She turned into him and let herself be pulled into his hug. She didn’t even seem to realize she’d be the instant envy of my fan forum if I posted a pic of that online right now. She gave him a final pat and asked, “You’re going to synagogue this week?”
Eden answered for him. “Just like always.”
“Good. As long as you’re going to worship.” She grabbed her purse and waved once more to everyone. Then she was gone.
