On a nod, Randy shoveled food into his mouth. “When did the whole lesbian thing happen?”
Another chilly silence filled the air.
Beep-beep-beep. Providence’s skin was crawling as she opened the microwave and pulled out the hot mug.
“I mean, when did you decide to become a lesbian?” Randy was digging himself deeper into a hole.
“Randy,” Lizzie said, her tone abrupt. “Let’s not go down that path.”
“What?” Randy asked. “I thought she liked men. I was just wondering about it, that’s all.”
“I was a kid when you left,” Megan said. “You’ve been gone for years and have no business questioning me about my sexual orientation.”
Leigh placed a hand on Megan’s arm. “We fell in love, just like you and Lizzie did. No different.”
Bing!Providence pulled out the toast and rolled a light layer of jelly on it, wondering how much longer she could stay silent.
“Notjustlike us,” Randy protested. “I mean, you’rebothwomen.”
Slowly, Providence pivoted. “Randy, you have a right to your opinion, but keep your mouth shut if you can’t be accepting ofeveryonein this house.”
Scowling at Providence, Randy pushed out of his seat. “I can say what I want, whenever I want. I live here. You don’t.”
“Sit. Down.” The harshness in Lizzie’s voice caught everyone’s ear. “I’m sorry,” Lizzie said to Megan and Leigh. Then, she frowned at her husband. “Be quiet.”
Providence set the mug and toast on a tray, then plated food for her dad. “I’m taking these to Mom and Dad.”
Lizzie jumped up. “I’ll do it.”
Too angry to respond, Providence left the room.
Her brother had soured her stomach and killed her appetite. She’d forgotten how closed-minded he was and how his negative rants had always been a conversation killer.
When she walked into the bedroom, her mom was resting and her dad was pacing. She set down the tray. “What time is Mom’s appointment tomorrow?” she whispered.
“Eight fifteen.”
“Text me the address.”
Her mom pushed up and leaned against the propped pillows. “That tea smells good.”
Providence handed her the mug and her mom sipped the drink. Then, she sat on the bed beside her. “I think you guys should ask Randy and Lizzie to move out.”
“Where would they go?” her mom asked.
“They’re adults. They’ll figure it out. You two need a breather.”
Her mom and dad exchanged glances, but remained silent on the subject. Providence didn’t want to push. They were both stressed enough.
On the way back downstairs, she promised herself she would stay calm, no matter what crap came flying out of her brother’s mouth. Providence walked into a silent kitchen. Lizzie complimented the meal, but Randy ate in a brooding silence. Between he and Lizzie, they downed that bottle of champagne in no time. Providence poured herself an orange juice and sat at the table.
And then, Providence did what she always did. She walkedtowardthe fire, not away from it.Time for some answers.“Randy, how’s the real estate business treating you these days?”
“Never better.”
“He’s a natural salesman,” Lizzie added. “His new clients love him.”
“Most realtors hold open houses on Sundays. Do you have any today?”
