When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark 2)

“Fine,” I squeak, and take a sip of water. It’s empty.

This gets better and better.

I was less nervous telling them that I made the football team and wasn’t going to work for Dad than I am now, and I thought I was pretty nervous at the time.

I clear my throat. “I got you some flowers,” I tell my mom. I notice she chose the seat across from Thea.

Her head is behind the menu when she says, “I saw.”

I sigh. Her coldness is expected, and warranted, but it hurts anyway.

“How was work?” I ask my dad.

Small talk is good, right?

“Good,” he says, picking up his water. “We closed the Holtzman account today, so you know how glad I am to get that account.”

“Oh, wow, congrats, Dad. That’s fantastic.”

It really is. He’s been working for months to get that account. It’

s a huge deal for designing a building downtown and three more over the next ten years.

“Yes,” he says, setting his glass down, “so this is like our celebration dinner.”

My mom sets down her menu and crosses her fingers. “Really? I thought this dinner was for my son to explain to me why he got married and didn’t tell me?”

I need a drink. Or ten.

“Mom—” I start, but she promptly holds up her hand.

“I need my food and a glass of wine before I hear anything you have to say.”

I glance at Thea and she’s holding in a snicker.

I’m glad she’s amused by this.

Our waiter stops by the table with a basket of bread and a bottle of wine.

“Can I interest you in a glass of our house wine. It’s—”

My mom holds up her glass. “We’ll take the whole bottle since my son’s paying.”

Thea smacks her hand over her mouth, but not quick enough to hide her snort.

“Oh, okay.” The waiter pours her glass then reaches for another empty one.

“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary,” my mom says, grabbing the bottle from him. “This is just for me.”

This time Thea’s laugher escapes and she does nothing to stop it. Instead, she sits there cackling, entirely amused by this situation.

“I’ll give you another minute to decide what you want and I’ll be back soon.”

“Thanks,” I mumble. I’m pretty sure my cheeks are red with embarrassment right now and Thea’s still laughing.

I slide my menu to the edge of the table. I’ve already picked out my meal, but it hardly matters because I doubt I’ll be able to eat it.

“So,” Thea says cheerily, “marvelous weather we’re having.”