“Dad, I’m here now. I promised Mom I’d keep it in the fucking family.”
“Daddy!” cried Penelope. “That’s inappropriate!” She and Emma’s boys were bug-eyed, taking in the badly behaving grown-ups around them.
“You’ve done the right thing now, Simon, you’ve made your Da’s day,” said Louisa, inanely. “Now, darling, let’s get your pills and we can have some marrow on toast.”
“Darling?” said Simon. “Wait, Dad, are you and Louisa—”
“It’s cold winters here in Mumberton!” thundered Mac.
“No one should be alone on a cold winter’s night and that’s a fact,” said Donna.
“This is such a happy occasion!” said Louisa.
“If we’re baring our souls,” said Cleo, “I’d better go speak with Sylvie, too.”
“Don’t,” said Simon. “Leave her alone. It’s enough.”
“As if you have any idea what’s best for Sylvie,” said Cleo. “Save me some sweet cheese verbena, whatever the hell that is,” she said, striding through the dining room and slamming the door on her way out.
“Did you really lose all our money, Mom?” said Guinness.
“I did, yes,” said Emma.
“Cassidy Rose is a hustler,” said Jameson. “Sheesh.”
“That’s true, actually,” said Emma.
“Her pants areso tight,” said Jameson. “And made of leather, which honestly, Mom? That’s unethical.”
“It’s so bad,” said Penelope. “Skinning an animal? Barbaric.”
“Adults are wack,” said Jameson. “Right, Penelope?”
“You’re right, Jameson,” she said. “You are so right.”
“Bet,” said Guinness.
“Anyway, Mama Bear,” said Jameson. “We love you!” He picked up his warm roll and bit down, his expression rapturous.
“Quite a motley crew you have here, Simon,” said Mac.
Emma wanted to run after her husband, to scream and beg, but she was worn out, exhausted, a bit hysterical. She started to laugh.
“Anyone for a beer?” said Simon.
“I should maybe say no,” said Emma.
“Truth, Mom,” said Guinness.
“Yeah,” said Jameson, his expression sad and optimistic at the same time.
“I’m sober,” said Penelope. “It’s a good lifestyle choice.”
“Oh, me too,” said Jameson. Guinness nodded.
“My mom is sober,” said Penelope. “It’s super hard but here’s what you do: You can never, ever do anything you don’t want to do. Ever again, seriously. Then you don’t have to drink! My mom and I leave parties if we’re not having fun. It’s awesome! OK? You can only do what you want.”
“I can’t go home,” said Guinness, his voice growing loud. “Mom…”
