Luka turned to me, and I suddenly found my tiramisu very interesting. When I found the courage to sneak a glance at him, hisexpression suggested he would remember this betrayal.
The conversation never recovered.
Dad began listing movies he considered essential. Mom disagreed with at least a third of them and started adding titles to the notes app on her phone. Every attempt Luka made to defend himself only seemed to encourage them.
“I spent most of my childhood in ice rinks.”
“That’s not an excuse.”
Dad leaned back in his chair. “Have you seen The Princess Bride?”
Mom stared at him. “Why would you start there?”
“Because it’s excellent.”
“That isnotthe point.”
Luka looked between them. “Are there examinations on this material?”
By the time the check arrived, he’d acquired a movie syllabus.
Outside, the night air was cold enough to have everyone pulling coats tight around them.
Mom hugged Luka before either of us could make a clean escape.
“Next time we’re feeding you somewhere with larger portions.”
He gaped at her. “I have spent the last two hours eating.”
“Good. Then you’ll be prepared.”
Luka laughed, and Mom seemed pleased with herself.
Dad shook his head. “Careful. If she adopts you, you’re done for.”
She glared at him. “I am standing right here.”
He ignored her. “You’ll get weekly phone calls.”
Mom bit her lip. “Okay, that’s true.”
“There’ll be requests for photographs.”
She shrugged. “Also true.”
“And youknowthere’ll be questions about whether you’re eating enough.”
“I ask everyone that,” she protested.
Dad peered at Luka. “You see?”
Luka tried not to smile. “I believe I do.”
Mom beamed.
Dad sighed. “Oh, great, he’s already encouraging her.”
Eventually she extracted a promise that we’d have dinner with them again before the Games ended. Only then did Dad manage to steer her into the taxi.
