Page 10 of Crave

“Yes. We heard.” Mrs. Clark eats her salad without saying another word.

Other members of Jake’s family join us at the table, and the tension dissipates a little as the conversation changes to past family events and plans for the upcoming summer.

Despite the lively chatter, the only people who engage Tracy in conversation are Luke and Troy. Jake remains quiet for the rest of the dinner.

“So, how about that dance, now? I have to burn off the cake we had for dessert,” Jake says once dinner is over and everyone has left the table to mingle and dance.

“I don’t think you can burn anything to this slow music. And nobody told you to eat so much of it.”

“Dance with me before I have another piece.” He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.

He takes me in his arms, and we sway to some acoustic music that’s playing as he aligns his hips with mine. I spy Troy watching us. When he catches my eye, he has a look of awe in his eyes. He almost looks hopeful. He offers me a smile, which I return.

“Tomorrow,” he says as he lays his cheek on top of my head. I lean in, wanting to get as close to him as possible. This feeling, whatever it is, is addictive, and I already know tonight won’t be enough.

“What about it?” I ask, feigning ignorance.

“I get my date.”

“Really? And where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere where my crazy family won’t be.”

“Sounds intriguing, but I kind of like your family.” He tenses at my words.

“Most of them are good people, but I’m selfish. I want to have you all to myself.”

I look up and meet his eyes again. “Okay.”

The song ends, and as another slow song starts to play, more people get on the dance floor. Like magnets, our bodies are soon fused closely together. I look behind Jake and see Troy escorting his wife onto the dance floor. She seems a bit uneasy and reluctant as she looks around, but he takes her by the hand, spins her around until she wraps her arms around him. They are directly underneath a ceiling fan, and the wind from the fan blows at her loose dress, exposing a round belly.

“When is your sister-in-law due?” I ask Jake.

He looks at me totally confused. “What?”

“Your sister-in-law. Tracy, right? She’s pregnant. Do you know what she’s having? I remember when my sister was pregnant with the twins—” Before I can finish Jake pulls away from me, turns around and looks at his brother and sister-in-law.

“Jake?” I grab his arm, but he pulls it away from me as if my touch burns. He continues to stare, and when Tracy notices his scowl, she misses a step in her husband’s arms. She turns to Troy and says something to him in his ear. He looks towards Jacob, who is now walking towards the couple.

I should leave. Everything in me is screaming for me to leave, but my body is rooted to the spot I’m standing in. Whatever the friction in this family is, it's about to explode at this party.

Jake reaches out as if to touch Tracy’s stomach, but Troy knocks his hand out of the way.

“Don’t touch my wife, Jake.” All of the friendliness is gone from Troy’s voice.

“Are you pregnant, Tracy?” Jake asks.

“And don’t talk to my wife either. You have something to say, say it to me.”

“What’s the matter, Tracy? Troy doesn’t let you speak? We used to do more than just talk together.” My stomach drops at the implication.

“Shut your filthy mouth.”

“Can’t handle the truth,brother?Is your wife pregnant, Troy? Since she’s not allowed to talk, I’m asking you.” Several of the guests have stopped to watch, and a few have run out of the room.

“It’s none of your business, Jake,” Tracy says.

“We’re all family, aren’t we? I know for a fact you’re all about keeping it in the family, Tracy, so don’t be shy now. Are you pregnant or have you just gotten fat?”

---