“It’s really okay,” she whispered, sensing I was in my head. “I promise.”
For once, I believed someone. We’d been through theworst few hours in a long time. We’d been outed. My career could have ended. All my worst fears converged at once, but it didn’t end. Instead, I was here with Betty and her family. Though still otherworldly and odd, I didn’t feel like an outcast. I was here with Betty. That was enough.
“Your Majesties,” another uniformed man appeared. “Dinner is served.”
“Well, fine,” The King said. “To dinner!”
Chapter 51
A Confusing Evening
BETTY
“Are we just going to… have dinner?” Mary whispered as we took our seats at the mile-long table in the family dining room.
“Well, yes,” I said. “Unless you already ate? But I know you didn’t?—”
“No, I did not.”
“Betty, you’re the birthday girl, so what are we drinking?” Uncle Olav called. “You do the honors.”
I looked over, “Oh… uh… I’d like to let Mary choose. She’s the one who won something and she’s our guest.”
Mary went deer in the headlights. “No. I couldn’t. It’s your birthday, Betty.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, everyone put me on the spot. Let’s do champagne.”
My Uncle ordered up enough bottles from the cellar to suit, and we banged on with our first course.
“I feel so ridiculous,” Mary said.
“Why?”
“BecauseI’m in a palace?—”
“It’s not a palace. It’s a house.”
She gave me an incredulous look. “It’s not my usual beat, okay? And… I’m sitting here sweaty in a bustier and pants. I look ridiculous compared to your family.”
“I’m in an evening gown. We can both look fabulous together.”
She didn’t buy it, but smiled slightly while sipping her newly poured champagne. “They are nothing if not efficient.”
“It’s like magic. You’ll get used to it.”
“I will have to… take your word for it,” Mary said, still uneasy.
“I am sorry. I know it’s like?—”
She patted my knee under the table. “Sorry. I am a little off-kilter, but let me be clear, I love you and I will adjust. Your family are lovely. I’m not bolting.”
I grinned. “Tell me if something bothers you. And ask me questions. There aren’t any dumb ones.”
“I can assure you, there are dumb questions.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean, Mary.”
Uncle Olav interrupted our thoughts. “I’d like to raise a toast to Betty, who is a year older today, and perhaps a bit wiser?”
