—I’ll remember that, Maggie, I answer politely.
—He’s always been that way, Isobel adds. Even as a child, he was manipulative. I remember when he and Callum were in school together.
—You were in school together? I ask Callum, surprised.
He finally lifts his gaze from his plate.
—Yes. For a few years. We weren’t friends.
—Callum beat him in the regional math competition finals, Keira adds proudly. Alistair never got over it.
—That was twenty years ago, Callum points out.
—Some grudges never fade, Maggie declares solemnly. Especially when they’re fueled by jealousy.
I think back to my conversation with Alistair, the way he spoke about Callum, about our marriage. Was it really jealousy? Was he trying to turn me against my husband out of pure resentment?
—Speaking of grudges, Keira says, smoothly changing the subject, does anyone know why Heather left so quickly? She seemed rather… upset.
The look Callum gives her could melt Arctic ice.
—I told her her presence was no longer welcome, he replies curtly.
—Oh, Keira says, glancing at me.
The meal drags on in heavy silence, broken only by awkward attempts at conversation. I’ve rarely experienced such an uncomfortable dinner—and I once attended a Hollywood charity gala where my date ditched me halfway through the evening to leave with a waitress.
When dessert is finally served, Maggie sets her spoon down with a decisive clink.
—Well? When are you going to tell us what’s going on? she asks, looking from Callum to me.
—Grandmother, Callum warns.
—Don’t “Grandmother” me, young man. I’m too old to sit through this charade at my own dinner table. The two of you are looking at each other like strangers, and the atmosphere is colder than a Scottish January.
—This isn’t the time, Callum insists.
—On the contrary, this is exactly the time, Isobel interjects—to my great surprise. You’re married, for heaven’s sake! Whatever your disagreements, you should be able to talk about them instead of subjecting us to this icy silence.
I stare at my mother-in-law, stunned by this unexpected display of… what, exactly? Concern? Frustration? A simple desire to restore order at her table?
Callum looks at me, a silent question in his eyes. I give a slight nod.
—Jane received a professional offer, he announces. An important role in Los Angeles.
A stunned silence follows.
—You… you’re thinking of leaving? Keira asks, the first to recover.
All eyes turn to me.
—I haven’t made a decision yet, I reply, uncomfortable under the sudden attention.
—But you’re seriously considering leaving Scotland? Isobel asks, her tone unreadable.
—It’s a remarkable opportunity, Callum says before I can answer. The kind that comes once in a career.
I glance at him, surprised by how readily he seems to accept the idea of me leaving. Does he actually want me to go? Or is this his way of showing respect for my ambitions?
