“Jude,” he says, and immediately I don’t like the way he’s looking at Claire. “So this is the guest of honor?”
I nod. “Claire, this is my dad, Mark Sinclair.”
My dad doesn’t move as he says, “You can call me Mr. Sinclair.”
“Of course. It’s nice to meet you,” she says and heads toward him to shake his hand. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you,” he says, still eyeing her, and I’m not sure if he’s disgusted or he likes what he sees. Either way, I am sure I don’t like the way he’s staring at her.
“Let’s eat,” Mom says, and I pull out a chair for Claire. She falls into it and then I sit beside her, taking her hand in mine and then taking Jayden’s. My mom blesses the food and then we dig in. “It’s so wonderful having you, Claire. I hope you enjoy the dinner.”
Claire’s grin is genuine as she says, “Everything is wonderful. Thank you for having me and making me feel at home.”
“Of course,” Mom says with a grin, but when I look at my dad, he’s still staring at Claire.
He then asks, “So you go to UB with Jude?”
Swallowing what’s in her mouth, she nods. “Yes, I’m a sophomore.”
“Scholarship or your family paying for it?”
Mom stops eating and looks at my dad. “Why does that matter?”
“’Cause only people with money go to UB.”
“So it matters if she has money? I don’t see how that makes a difference.”
My dad glares as he says, “Because I would like to know. Can I ask a question without being questioned by you?”
I grit my teeth as I stare at my plate. I refuse to fight with him in front of Claire. I may have told her we weren’t normal, but I don’t want her to think we’re insane.
“My uncle pays for my college,” Claire answers suddenly. “He plays for the Nashville Assassins.”
Looking up, I see my dad is interested. “Is that right? Who is he?”
“Phillip Anderson, number thirty-three.”
“Wow, that’s supercool!” Jace says. “Do you know the whole team?”
She nods. “Yeah, they are basically family.”
“That’s so cool!” Jace gushes as Jayden rolls his eyes. “I’m a huge Shea Adler fan.”
“He’s a supergreat guy, funny too. Maybe one day we can all go to a game. We can sit in my Aunt Elli’s box. Does Angie like hockey yet?” she asks Lucy as she tickles Angie’s neck.
She giggles as Lucy says, “You know it. She’s a Sinclair. There is no other way but loving hockey.”
“I approve going to the box. Please, Jude. Man, come on,” Jace says, looking at me as I give him a dark glare.
“Shut up,” I say, but Claire l
ooks back at me.
“It’s fine. I’ll set something up, and I’d love for all of you to come.”
Everyone smiles, nodding, and I like that they are getting along, but then my dad clears his throat and I wish he would just disappear.
“So what are you going to school for, Claire?”