Page 59 of Rules for Rule Breaking

Winter sensed a hint of disdain in Uncle Eugene’s voice at the mention of Bobby’s father.

“I’m getting a little tired,” she said.

“Right. Let’s head back to the house. You can meet my stepdaughter, Simone.”

Simone came in while the three were sharing a pot of tea in Uncle Eugene’s kitchen. Winter was in her element, swirling cookiesin her mug, so she didn’t budge, but Bobby stood up as soon as he heard the door unlock. Simone threw her purse down on the counter and headed upstairs without saying a word, leaving Bobby standing in the middle of the kitchen, his napkin having fallen from his lap to the floor.

“She’ll be back,” Uncle Eugene said. “She went down to the shore with her friends and probably needed a shower.”

“Of course, Uncle,” Bobby said, taking his seat again.

“She’s in the nursing school at Rutgers. She stops by now and then. Otherwise this house can feel so empty.”

“Ajusshi, what happened to your wife?” Winter asked.

Bobby elbowed her in the side.

“It’s okay. She was sick, but we didn’t know until it was too late,” Uncle Eugene said.

“I’m sorry we didn’t get the chance to meet her,” Bobby said.

“You’re here now. How is my big brother anyway?”

The air was instantly sucked out of the room, and a humongous elephant gleefully perched itself in the corner and prepared to be ignored.

Bobby shifted nervously. “He’s... fine, I guess.”

“Still working in risk management? And your mother, is she still working in arbitration?”

Winter snapped her head around to see Bobby’s face. She hid a giggle in her teacup when he looked completely baffled. Arbitration fit Mrs. Bae; she could neutralize any situation with ease. But risk management for Mr. Bae? She didn’t see that coming.

“Yes, Uncle,” Winter said, seeing that Bobby clearly was not going to answer. “Business is good, and everyone is in good health.”

“What are you both going to school for?”

“I’m studying aerospace engineering, and Bobby is studying—”

“I’m considering computer science and app development,” Bobby interrupted.

Winter tried to hide her surprise in front of Uncle Eugene.

“Very impressive. Both of you,” Uncle Eugene said.

Simone came bounding down the stairs, hair wet, in a new outfit. She gave Eugene a kiss on the cheek and then said, “Hi, I’m Simone. You two must be Robert Jr. and Winter.” Simone flipped her red sheet of hair over her shoulder. The light caught it, and it sparkled like a Christmas ornament. Winter was envious.

“I’ve always wanted a cousin,” Bobby said, giving Simone a kiss on both cheeks. “It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.”

Winter extended her hand to shake Simone’s, but Simone grabbed hold of Winter’s arm and pulled her into the kitchen. “Let’s get dinner started and let these two catch up.”

Winter tried to eavesdrop on Bobby and Eugene. Since the house was new, the walls were thin and she would have been able to make out what they were talking about if not for Simone rummaging loudly through the refrigerator. Winter finally gave up. She would have to get the meeting minutes from Bobby later.

“So how do you like Rutgers?” she asked Simone, trying to make polite conversation.

Simone pushed the fridge closed with one manicured finger. She drummed her red nails on the marble counter. Her eyes became dead and empty. “Is Rutgers one of the schools you’re considering?”

“No, I was only making conversation.”

“Let me guess. You’re only visiting Ivy Leagues?”