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Mom asks, “You don’t want to do a DNA?”
“Not really.”
“They can be very enlightening.”
Dad mutters, “Yes they can,” and exchanges a look with her I don’t understand.
They don’t have a dog, and why would you want one on a cow? Or a chicken? But a horse breed could reveal royal lineage. So I ask, “You guys do a DNA on the horses?”
“No, not the horses.”
Mom interjects, “It’s a story for another time,” as Sylvia averts her gaze from mine and rises to clear the two empty lasagne dishes from the table.
Jonny asks, “Has Thor ever been on a plane?”
“I don’t travel much, so he’s never had a chance to.”
“He could have come here.”
“I don’t think dogs are allowed?”
Mom agrees, “Allergies. Too many people staying here and some can’t be around dogs.”
Jonny asks Willow, “Where is he?”
“He’s with my ex-boyfriend.”
“Your ex-boyfriend?”
“Yes. We’re still friends.”
Jonny looks at me. “You can do that?”
Sylvia returns as Mom and Dad exchange a look. Laura is staring with interest, even adjusts her weight on the dining chair as Willow pauses before finally answering, “Yes, and I think, if it’s possible, everyone should do that. But that’s just a life philosophy of mine.”
“You’re nice,” he says thoughtfully, staring at her. Handing back the phone, Jonny adds, “And pretty. I don’t know why my mom doesn’t like you.”
The whole table goes silent. I close my eyes — the one who told him to say whatever is on his mind.
Willow misses only a beat. “Thank you, Jonny. I think you’re nice, too.”
I look at Mom, and she’s impressed. But not as much as I am. Willow acted as if that was the only part of what Jonny said that matters.
However, people are slow to resume their conversations — Maggie and Pete get up and start clearing. Michelle and Sienna push bits of food on their plate, acting as if they’re not listening. Marco is staring right at Willow, and who knows what he’s thinking but it looks to be good. Steven is smiling and shaking his head, aware things could have blown up into a lot more awkward. Dax is looking at me.
Jonny says, “Maybe you could come back and bring Thor with you?”
Dax mutters from under heavy eyeliner, “Twist her arm.”
Laughter fills the room, creating an immediate sense of relaxation.
Sylvia says, “Crisis averted.”
“What does that mean?” frowns Jonny. “I mean, I know what it means, but why is everyone laughing?”
Because they all know I’m interested in the girl with the black hair who your mother doesn’t like.
“Maybe telling someone…” Mom begins to explain.
