Page 45

Madison giggles, high and false. “They are cute together.”
Brandon presses his thigh against mine. “Maybe because she knows I have a surprise for her later.”
I nearly choke. “What?”
“Oh, how lovely!” Mom claps her hands together. “Brandon, you’re just full of them tonight. Is it something you want to share with?—”
“That’s not necessary,” I say.
“It’s very necessary.” Brandon’s voice drops low, meant just for me. “Trust me, cupcake, you’ll want to hear this.”
Trust him? After he kept the restaurant sale secret?
“Speaking of surprises,” Madison says, “Mykel and I have an announcement?—”
“Not now, babe,” Mykel mutters.
“But you said?—”
“Later.”
My mother’s fork clatters against her plate. “An announcement? What kind of announcement?”
“It’s nothing,” Mykel says quickly. Too quickly.
Mom’s eyes light up like Christmas came early. “Are you…?”
“No!” Mykel and Madison say in unison.
“Though that would be wonderful, wouldn’t it, David?” Mom turns to Dad, who’s suddenly very interested in his wine glass.
“We’re moving in together,” Madison blurts out.
The table falls silent. Even the scraping of cutlery stops.
“Oh.” Mom’s smile freezes. “How… modern.”
I risk a glance at Brandon, finding him watching me with that intense look that makes my skin prickle.
“What?” I snap.
“Nothing.” His lips quirk. “Just wondering whenwe’removing in together.”
I kick him again. Harder. He grunts in response, shooting me a look.
“Who wants wine?” My mother asks.
Me. I want all the wine, but sadly… “I’m driving.”
“I’m driving, too,” Brandon’s eyes never leave me.
Just like he won’t leave me in general, and, somehow, that feels good.
The dinner drags on, with my mother telling us about her new plans for the house and Madison being very enthusiastic while the rest of us, at least me, pray for this evening to end. I mostly push my food around with a few alibi bites here and there.
“Before dessert,” my father says suddenly, standing up. “I have something…”
He disappears into the hallway, leaving us to marinate in awkward silence. Brandon’s hand finds my knee again, but I’m too distracted to swat it away. Something feels off.