Page 140 of The Persistence of Thornes
CHAPTER 35
HALLE
Across the kitchen, Caleb’s eyes go wide. He darts over to me and mutters a panicked “don’t listen to a word she says. Take it with a grain of salt,” then shuffles off to greet her.
I blink at Salem, my heart in my throat. “Is she really that bad?”
With a snort, she arranges a serving dish on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. “Oh yeah.”
My breath gusts out of me. Dammit.
Straightening, she gives me a sympathetic smile. “I could lie to you, but it’s better ifyou’re prepared. Mrs. Thorne is a hard pill to swallow. If it makes you feel better, there’s no way she could hate you more than me.”
That comment only makes my stomach twist. If she doesn’t like Salem, one of the nicest humans on this planet, I’m doomed.
As if every being here has been alerted to an alien presence, the house goes silent. Even the kids and loud-mouthed Thelma don’t make a sound.
She’s sitting at the table with the whole gaggle of children, playing what looks suspiciously like poker, glowering at the couple entering the house.
I swear the room drops several degrees when Caleb ushers them into the fray. “My parents decided to stop by.” Despite his best efforts to keep a neutral expression, he grimaces. “Mom brought tiramisu.”
“Apology dessert,” Salem huffs beside me. “Bet it’s as bitter as she is.”
I cover my mouth to hold back surprised laughter.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like to introduce you to Halle and her brothers.”
Oh no, oh no, oh no. They’re coming my way.
Caleb steps away from his parents and sets the dessert on the island. Then he sidles up beside me, his shoulders pulled back and his head high. “This is Halle, my girlfriend.”
I plaster a smile on my face and extend my hand to his mother. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
She takes it, delicately grasping my fingers rather than my whole hand. “I’m Katrina,” she says in a bored tone, her focus drifting around the room rather than fixed on me.
“Thomas.” Caleb’s dad’s handshake and tone are at least polite.
“Salem,” Katrina says in a snide tone.
“Always a pleasure,” my new friend croons.
Thayer appears at her side, arm around her waist, stepping slightly in front of her like he might have to physically defend her from the frigid woman who just arrived.
“Likewise,” she drawls, moving away.
“And over there by Thelma and Cynthia,” Caleb says, pointing at the table, “are Casen and Quinn. Halle’s brothers.”
Katrina assesses them with an unimpressed look, her only response a “hmm.”
At her side her husband shoves his hands in his pockets, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. From the way he rounds his shoulders, it looks like he’s the kind of man who lets his wife dictate things and prefers not to rock the boat, lest it disturb whatever kind of peace he’s carved out for himself.
“Are you hungry?” Caleb asks them. “There are plenty of leftovers. I can warm up a couple of plates.”
Katrina’s lips pinch, her expression sour. “We already ate. Just thought we’d drop by for dessert.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” His expression looks kind enough, but based on his reaction when Thayer informed him of their arrival, I get the impression this statement is very much a lie.
“We’re having dessert in a bit.” This comes from Thayer, his voice deep and rumbly. “Feel free to find a seat and make yourselves at home.”
