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I don’t have it in me to tell her there’s not much to tell. “Sure.”
The first thing I see when I step into the Lawson’s formal dining room is my mom’s annoyed expression. I give her an apologetic look as I take the chair across from her. Dad sits next to her, and he greets me with a warm hello, not at all bothered by my tardiness like his wife.
“Good to see you, Olivia.” Uncle Eric sits at the head of the table next to my dad. He smiles at me affectionately.
I return it easily, not at all affected by the fact he’s an older version of his son who trails into the dining room behind me. “You too, Uncle Eric.”
Aunt Julia sits at the other end of the table to my right, leaving the chair on my left for Derek. I keep my attention on my uncle as his son sits between us, struggling to hide the emotions elicited by the memory of me and Derek on the beach. And what came after…
“And you, Derek? How are you feeling after your flight?”
“Fine, Dad.”
“The time difference not bothering you?”
“Considering the time difference means it only feels like four in the afternoon to me, no. It’s not bothering me.”
Uncle Eric huffs a laugh and sits back in his chair. “Fair enough.” He motions to the covered dishes in the center of the table. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”
Mom gives me another pointed look. It takes all my resolve not to sink into my chair.
Aunt Julia and Mom uncover the dishes in front of them and scoop food onto their plates before passing them clockwise. It’s how we always serve food at our family dinners, but I find myself wishing we did things differently tonight when it’s my turn to pass the mashed potatoes. My fingers brush against Derek’s as I hand him the ceramic bowl, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to flinch away and drop the fancy dish.
Get ahold of yourself, Olivia.
I’m a grown woman. I have a steady job with a nice two bedroom apartment in a good part of town. My car is paid off. My life is put together, and I need to act like it—not like a love-struck teenager who can’t control her emotions.
The moment I know Derek has a grip on the bowl, I pull back. I avoid his gaze and turn to take the next dish from Aunt Julia. Mercifully, no one seems to notice my nervous behavior. We finish the rotation of each food dish and then begin to eat.
Conversation circles around light topics, ranging from Mom’s fashion business to the Lawsons’ latest clinic they’re opening in Lansing. The couple are trained psychologists, but they’re also the owners of mental health clinics all over the state. The clinics provide a variety of affordable services for people in need, as well as those with health insurance plans that don’t offer full coverage for counseling or therapy sessions.
I’m listening to my dad tell Aunt Julia about the next vacation he and Mom have planned when I overhear Uncle Eric tell Derek, “I saw the Waters family last week.”
Dad stumbles on his next word, but he continues to talk to Aunt Julia as if he didn’t hear his best friend mention Kyle’s family. I’m not so composed.
Immediately, I tune into their conversation. My eyes dart between Derek and his dad. Try as I might, I can’t read Derek’s expression. He looks tense, but that’s it.
“Cool,” he replies with no emotion.
“They seem to be doing well,” Uncle Eric adds, observing his son with knowing eyes. “They asked how you were doing. I said you were well.”
“I’m sure they loved hearing that.”
“Don’t be that way, son. The Waters still care about you even though?—”
“Even though I played a part in their son’s death?” Derek interrupts.
All conversation comes to a halt. No one bothers to pretend they aren’t listening.
“Honey,” Aunt Julia addresses her husband with a meaningful stare. “Maybe now isn’t the best time for this conversation.”
“What conversation?” Derek looks from his mom to his dad.
“Nothing,” Aunt Julia answers.
“The Waters said you’ve ignored their calls and emails for the last year,” Uncle Eric says at the same time. “They wanted me to tell you thank you on their behalf for all you’ve done for them financially. Care to explain what they’re talking about?”
“I’m sure you already know.” Derek picks up his fork and spears a piece of broccoli.
