Page 28 of The Family Guest

My mother-in-law shot Tanya a scathing look. “Excuse me, young lady. I wasn’t talking to you.” I felt myself bristle as she redirected her gaze at my daughter.

“Yes, Grandma. I’ve gone on a vegan diet.”

“Tell me about it.”

Paige explained her newfound aversion to eating any food that was an animal or animal product. To my surprise, my mother-in-law approved, telling Paige about her recent involvement with animal rights organizations and global warming. “We need more kids like you to save our planet.”

She took a sip of her wine. Tonight, a lovely pinot grigio.

“And how are things going with your boyfriend? Lance, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. You have a great memory, Grandma.” My daughter gave Tanya a sideways glance before continuing. “Everything’s good.”

Her voice sounded tentative. I’d noticed how much time Lance and Tanya were spending together. I made a mental note to talk to Paige about it, not certain she would open up to me. The banter between my mother-in-law and daughter continued, the subject changing.

“So, my dearest, your mother told me you’re applying to colleges. That you’re interested in the Rhode Island—”

Matt cut his mother off. “She’s applying early decision to Stanford. You’ll be able to see her all the time. Palo Alto is only a half hour drive from San Francisco.” His gaze shifted to Paige. “So, how’s the application coming along?”

Paige looked him hard in the eye. “It’s not!”

“What do you mean?” asked my husband, anger rising in his voice.

“For God’s sake, Matthew,” snapped Marjorie. “Leave her alone. She should go wherever she wants.”

“I’m applying to Stanford!” Tanya blurted proudly.

My mother-in-law turned to her. Her face glacial. “Frankly, my dear, I couldn’t care less. You’re not my granddaughter.”

“Marjorie!” I bit out, wishing I could ask her to apologize for her rude remark. But I couldn’t. It would lead to an ugly showdown, and one that I would never win. Her Majesty was a force to be reckoned with and felt she could say whatever she pleased. Whenever she pleased. She liked to wield her power.

Feeling bad for our exchange student, I almost got up to give her a hug. To my great relief, she opened her mouth for a second, but then snapped it closed and went back to eating her dinner. In a way, by not responding, she had triumphed over my patronizing mother-in-law, whose attention was now diverted by her son.

“Listen to this. My new client, who’s a big shot sportscaster, gave me a pair of Lakers tickets. VIP seats on the floor.”

Paige’s eyes lit up. She loved the Lakers, LA’s popular basketball team, and loved going to their games, despite sitting in the nosebleed stadium seats we had. She was devastated when her sports idol Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter perished in a helicopter crash. She cried for days, and even made a lifelike sculpture of him, which she kept in her studio as a remembrance.

“Oh, Dad! That’s so exciting! When are the tickets for?”

“The last Saturday in October. But I want to take Tanya.”

Paige’s jaw fell to the floor. Her face crumpled. “What!?”

“Relax, Paige. There will be other tickets. I just thought I should give Tanya a unique American experience while she’s here. One she’ll never forget.”

“Oh my God! I’m so excited!” squealed Tanya as tears gathered in my daughter’s eyes. She was crushed.

Holding them back, she bravely stood up and excused herself from the table to do her homework. She gave her grandmother a hug. “I love you, Grandma. Have a safe trip to La Jolla and give Grandpa my love. I can’t wait to see you both over Thanksgiving.”

After giving her father a glaring look, she fled. Will followed her.

“Did I say something wrong?” asked Matt with more bewilderment than guilt.

“Honey, why don’t you go to your office? I’m going to clean up.”

“Fine.” Rising from his chair, he wasted no time disappearing.

Only three of us were left. Me, my mother-in-law, and Tanya.