Page 69 of The Tenth Circle

We sit around the table, Mom and Vic next to each other hand in hand, with Saint and Theory across from me and Archer.

My knee dances underneath the table until Archer rests a hand on it.

Mom is the first one to speak up. “So, anything you kids would like to know?—?”

“Where’s Auntie Pop?” I slice through her words.

Mom swallows. “I wanted her to give us some time.”

The twitch of my lip must be furious because it’s followed by a hushed, “I’m sorry.”

She should be.

His entire family is here.

“We are open to any questions you kids may have,” Vic follows.

Saint is eerily quiet as he sits back in the chair, elbow on the armrest, and two fingers pinching his chin.

As if in deep thought about nothing.

Or everything.

“When did you guys start dating?” Theory starts.

“October of last year,” Mom answers, then casts her wary stare at me. “Shortly after the homecoming dance.”

“Why did you wait until this morning to tell us?” she presses.

Vic steps in. “We felt it was in the best interest of you three. Didn’t want to complicate things until I knew Juniper was serious about us.”

It’s refreshing to hear such a gentle voice come out of a man built so…stoic. As if his privilege did some humbling instead of hardening. I don’t miss the mention of hesitation on only Mom’spart, too, Victor making it clear his mind was made up about her a lot sooner.

“But…it’s so fast. You could just continue dating.”

“You know me, Theory,” Victor responds. “I’m sure I don’t need to explain.”

My eyebrows dig—but I already decided to study in silence.

Mom smiles. “I must say, I love how traditional your father is.”Traditional. Noted. “Reverent. Devout.” She glares lovingly at Vic, trying to sell the guy she already bought.

But the only thing I’m buying from her is speculation.

Even if the love in her eyes is undeniable.

I’ve heard about Vic being a strong practicing Catholic, the white gold crucifix around his neck proves as much.

But Mom speaks as if his world revolves around his faith—and, uh, I can’t even remember the last time we stepped foot in a church.

Religious standing is one of those things that can make or break a relationship, and given her half-hearted belief in God, marrying a bible fanatic would seem a bit mismatched.

Which is why I’ll keep letting Theory take the lead.

“Well, I’ve definitely been blessed.” Victor kisses her forehead, and dammit I hate how sweet it is.

With the slighted peek Saint’s way, I notice he’s still lost in his head, not a smile or frown for me to read. A human fucking vault when I’m desperate for an open book.

“I’m happy for you, Daddy.” Theory smiles.