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“Ice water,” agreed Emily.
In a seeming frenzy, the family scurried around getting glasses and ice and drinks and moving the food to the table. Emily found herself sitting at the table between Spencer and Grace. Hannah, Olivia, and Claire sat across, with Joe and Connie at the ends. Her heart raced. What if they touched? Would the sisters notice her reaction? She practiced the breathing exercises she used to calm herself before a test or a dance recital. In-two-three-hold... Out-two-three-hold...
Joe said a blessing before the group dov
e into the food.
“Shrimp scampi—woo hoo!” said Claire.
“Pass the rice, please,” said Olivia.
Emily and Spencer reached for the bowl of rice simultaneously. Their fingers touched, and Emily felt a tingle. She twitched at the sensation, but she didn’t pull her hand away.
“Sorry,” mumbled Spencer, as he allowed Emily to pass the bowl across the table.
“Son, dinner’s delicious, as always.” Joe smiled at Emily. “We all got used to his cooking—took it for granted all those years. Now he’s moved away from home, we only get to enjoy it on Sundays.”
Connie said, “The rest of the week, they have to suffer with my cooking.”
The whole family laughed, but Grace explained to Emily, “She’s only joking. Momma hates cooking. When it’s not Spencer, it’s me or Papa.”
“Sometimes I cook,” declared Hannah.
“Hannah does brinner,” said Olivia. “You know, breakfast for dinner? Eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon—she loves cooking breakfast food.”
“I bake,” said Claire. “And I want your recipe, Emily.”
“Shouldn’t you try them first? You might not want the recipe.” Emily chuckled.
“So... Emily,” Grace spoke in an intentionally casual tone. “Who are your parents?”
“Grace,” Spencer warned. “That’s none of your business.”
“Why? She met my parents. Surely she’s not ashamed of her parents.”
“Grace.” Spencer said the name between clenched teeth.
Connie said, “Grace, if Emily doesn’t want to talk about—”
“It’s okay. Really, it’s okay. It’s no big deal, really.” Emily steeled herself against the embarrassing reaction people always gave when she revealed who her stepfather was.
“Aunt May lets her parents sit in the back room, so I know they’re famous or important or something.” Grace waited with rapt attention.
Spencer studied his plate while the rest of the family gazed expectantly at Emily.
“Uhmm, my mom’s name is Anne, and she’s been a widow for fifteen years. My dad died in a car wreck, along with two of my grandparents.”
Connie gasped. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m really okay. It’s been fifteen years, so it doesn’t really hurt any more—not much.”
“So is your mom rich or famous or something?” asked Grace. “What’s her last name?”
“Her mom is married to my boss,” said Spencer. “Okay? Now you know.”
“Your boss, as in, your immediate boss? Or the one who owns the company?” asked Joe.
“Steven Gherring,” said Emily. “She’s married to Steven Gherring.”
