Page 107 of In Your Wake

Maxine

The smell of garlic and tomato sauce hits me the second I walk into Dad’s house.

“Finally,” Hunter says from the kitchen island. “I was thirty seconds away from filing a missing person report.”

“You’re being dramatic.” I slip off my shoes and shrug out of my jacket.

“Good thing you got here. Dad started stress-grating parmesan.”

“I wasn’t stressed,” Vince, our dad, argues while treating the cheese rather aggressively.

As if noticing, he stops, then grins and continues grating, this time at an intentionally slower speed. I laugh and join them in the kitchen. Dad kisses the top of my head while I steal a piece of garlic bread straight off the tray.

He swats my hand away. “You can’t wait?”

“Nope.”

“Just like your mother,” he mutters automatically. I notice the quick pause, the realization of what he’s said. “Don’t spoil your appetite,” he adds, trying to pretend we’re not all thinking the same thing.

Still, something uncomfortable catches inside me.

“Tina couldn’t make it?” I ask, trying to sound as if I’m disappointed my older sister isn’t here.

“One of the kids is sick,” Dad explains, but Hunter and I exchange a doubtful glance.

Since our older sister, Tina, left town and started her new life in Hallstead, we hardly ever see her. Once in a while we meet her and Mom for dinner, but honestly, I’d much rather hang out with the boys. Tina and Joanne Nolan have an uncanny knack of making everything… awkward and uncomfortable.

I grab the wine bottle off the counter and pour myself a big glass.

“Are you afraid we’re going to run out?” Hunter asks.

I scowl. “I’m literally just having a drink. I’m allowed to have a drink, right?” I snap.

“Yes, you’re allowed to have a drink,” he replies, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

“Children,” Dad warns.

“You’re in a mood,” Hunter continues, ignoring him. “Get in a fight with Tucker again?”

I nearly choke on the Pinot. I guess with everything that’s happened recently, I didn’t bother sharing the news with everyone.

“I dumped Tucker.”

Silence. Both men stare at me, frowning.

“What?” I snap.

Dad returns to the stove. “When did this happen?”

“About a week ago. Before the camping trip.”

Hunter stares at me. “Before the camping trip? Why didn’t you tell me?”

I purse my lips. “Sorry, a lot’s been going on and I guess I forgot to write it in the family newsletter.”

“Maxine…” Dad says. “Hunter’s just curious.”

Hunter flashes a smart-ass grin, but Dad swiftly shuts it down.