Page 52 of The Marriage Narrative
Fine. If that was how he wanted to play, she had enough worry to go around. “You know, you should’ve worn sunscreen too. You’re more beige than he is.”
Damon’s guffaw echoed around them. “Beige. Is that what you kids say now? Back in my day we just said light-skinned.”
“We still say that too, Dad.” Wylie’s real smile was the epitome of goofy boyish charm. Nothing but crinkly eyes, pearly white teeth, and bashful dimples—he was a completely differentperson when he wasn’t hiding behind that clichéd, disaffected teenage mask.
He even had eyes like Jordan, as playful as they were clever. His still had a touch of wildness to them, though. Only a few more feral years to go and he’d be all grown up.
“Dinner is served, my darlings.” Amber and Lulie began placing several dishes onto the table. They cooked together most nights, but at least once a week, a guest chef took on the duty instead.
Those special dinners had more rules, including not being allowed to say anything negative about the foodunlessthe chef requested their feature with a side of controversy.
The spectacles never ceased duringZaffre Hours.
As soon as they finished blessing the food, Lulie immediately launched into a pitch for a brand partnership.
“No business at the table.” Damon passed Zinnia the roll bowl.
“It’s not business, Daddy. We’re not talking about the deal itself. I’d like opinions on the potential consequences of aligning with a brand that has a reputation for unethical practices.”
Zinnia pointedly stared at her plate because Lulie didn’t sound rehearsedat all,whatsoever, and the cameras caught every damn thing she tried to hide.
Jordan tapped her knee twice under the table—their signal, right on time. They’d tacked on a secret level to their game. A little something she liked to calltag me in coach!
She wanted to improve her on-camera performance in general, not just with him. Exaggerated reactions were good. Calculated responses were better. Whenever he gave the signal, a tap or a distraction, she knew her face was doing the most. He made an opening for her to one, fix it, and two, play the game.
“Dad said no business. That counts.” Although Jordan soundedmildly bored, he only ever looked at his sister with doting big brother eyes.
Lulie stuck her tongue out at him and laughed. “Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask if Eric could come visit for a few days?”
“No.” Amber speared an asparagus stalk with a concerning amount of enthusiasm. “This is the only time we’ll get to spend together as a family this year.”
“Eric is family.”
“You know we all love him, but no, he isn’t.”
“Then why doessheget to be here? They’ve barely known each other for a month.”
Zinnia froze, her fork hovering in midair. “Really? In front of my vegan potato salad, Lulie?”
Jordan’s cough suspiciously sounded like a laugh. “Excuse me.”
“I’vebeen with Eric for almost three years,” Lulie pointed out. “How does that not count for anything? At least you knowourrelationship isn’t fake.”
All the air was sucked out of the room in an instant. Zinnia reacted so fast that she didn’t even feel the expression she was making until Jordan squeezed her knee. Her face would truly be her downfall. How he was able to focus on the conversation, his own performance,andpay special attention to hers, all at the same time, was impressive as hell.
“Here we go,” Wylie muttered.
Amber put her fork down and wiped her mouth. “Zinnia is here because Jordan married her. She’s family now and you need to start acting like it. No more of this mean girl bullshit you’ve been doing.”
Zinnia shrank down in her seat. Sweet baby Jesus, this wasnothappening. The Zaffre hate train ran on a tight schedule. Amberneverstood up for her.
Lulie reared back in her seat, starting at her mom as if she’d just been slapped. Or betrayed. “You can’t keep me from seeing him. I’ll leave.”
“You will not,” Amber said.
Damon sighed as he forcibly set his silverware down. “Just let the boy visit. It’s not gonna hurt anything.”
“See?” Lulie demanded. “Dad agrees with me.”
