Page 46 of Married to Lies

My eyebrows pinched. “Excuse me?”

Mom said, “Are you seeing anyone, Rei? I haven’t heard from you in forever. The last time you were over was...” She tapped her chin.

“Thanksgiving,” I supplied.

“A whole month!” Eleanor said. “I feel like we don’t go a day without seeing each other.” She bumped shoulders with my mom.

An awful twist of jealousy panged my stomach. I shouldn’t have been jealous. I didn’t even really want to be here today.

“You have the granddaughter,” Mom said, oblivious to my feelings. “I have to see that cutie as much as possible.”

I sighed quietly and scraped the carrots into a bowl. Then I started on the cucumbers, wishing this could be over with. Imagining what Christmas with a different family would look like. Jada and Bryce were in Cottonwood Falls right now with his four siblings and all their children. I bet that house was full of love and laughter. I wondered what Quentin’s house was like.

Just as I was picturing him in a cream-colored sweater pouring a glass of vintage white wine, Mom said, “Rei, can you set the table?”

“Of course.” My shoulders relaxed as I excused myself to the formal dining room. At least there I could have a moment to myself.

The extra leaf had been added to the table, giving us plenty of room for dinner. Going to the cabinet, I grabbed the place mats first. These were white with snowflakes embroidered in white thread. I examined them for a moment, trying to tell if Mom had made them or bought them. A small flaw on one confirmed Mom had done it.

Curiosity sated, I laid out each place mat. Then I got the bottom plate, stark white as well, and set it out.

I’d done this chore so many times, I could manage it in my sleep. I practically blinked and all the plates, silverware, and glasses were set out.

Only the sight of a person walking up the sidewalk drew me out of the trance.

My eyes bugged out as I recognized Conrad’s lean form, dressed in all black with a deep green scarf wrapped around his neck. My stomach dropped, and I rushed from the dining room to the front door.

The bell came before I could cut him off, echoing around in my head like a warning siren.

“Are we expecting more?” Mom asked from the kitchen.

“Probably a salesman,” I said. “Who does that on Christmas?” I opened the door, wedging myself in the doorway and intending to go outside with Conrad.

But he beat me to it, his chest pressing against mine and refusing to budge.

I stumbled back, righting myself, as he forced himself inside. “Merry Christmas, Kellys!” he boomed.

Like moths to flames, my dad and brother got up from the couch. Testosterone earned their interest. Along with the giant present in Conrad’s arms.

“Conrad,” Dad said. “Great to see you! What did you bring us?”

Conrad passed it to him, grinning. “Your favorite popcorn, sir. And a set of new tea towels for Mrs. Kelly to embroider. I know that keeps her busy.”

Dad looked pleased as punch, and Mom said, “That is so thoughtful of you. I’m so glad Rei got into business with a good man. Especially after what happened before.”

A weight settled on my chest at the mention. At the meaning. Like I couldn’t handle a business on my own and needed a man’s advice to succeed.

I fought to keep my tone even as I said, “I’m sure Conrad has a family gathering of his own to get to, but thanks for stopping by.” I went to the door to hold it open for him.

“Actually...” Conrad gave us a brave-soldier-carrying-on kind of expression. “Mom and Dad went on a trip this Christmas. Just me and a TV dinner. It is turkey, though.” He pretended to be hopeful at the thought, but it was all an act. At this point, it felt like everything I knew about him was a lie.

“Oh, nonsense, you must dine with us,” Mom said, wrapping her arm around his shoulders and leading him inside. “We have so much food we’ll never be able to eat it all.”

His whole face brightened up. “Are you sure it won’t be an imposition? It does smell amazing in here.”

“No imposition at all. Go sit with the boys. Dinner will be ready shortly.”

22 Rei