Page 132 of Safe With You

I filled the glasses while Mama checked something in the oven. The back door opened a few minutes later, and Daddy came inside carrying a foil pan with both hands and looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“Move.”

Mama didn’t.

He stopped behind her. “Woman.”

“You have all that counter over there.”

“I need this one.”

“Why?”

“Because this the one I’m standing by.”

I looked between them. “Y’all know there’s enough kitchen for both of you, right?”

They answered at the same time.

“Stay out of it.”

I lifted both hands. “See, now y’all agree.”

Daddy laughed while Mama rolled her eyes, but she moved anyway.

He set the pan down and pulled back enough foil to inspect the ribs. The smell hit me immediately, smoky and sweet enough that I stepped closer without thinking.

Mama had already started carrying dishes toward the dining room, so I grabbed the macaroni before she could tell me to and followed behind her.

By the time everything made it to the table, there wasn’t an inch of space left that didn’t have food, a glass, or somebody’s elbow occupying it. Both peach cobblers sat side by side on the counter, waiting for us to argue over which one was better later.

I took my usual seat and reached for the serving spoon.

Mama slapped the back of my hand.

Again.

“Mama!”

“We haven’t prayed.”

I slowly put the spoon down. “I knew that.”

Daddy bowed his head, already laughing. “No, you didn’t.”

“Can we pray before I starve?”

“You been here twenty minutes,” Mama said.

“And haven’t been allowed to eat anything.”

“Because you kept trying to stick your hands in stuff.”

“I washed them.”

Daddy reached across the table for my hand before I could defend myself any further. “Come on before she wastes away.”

I gave Mama a look as I took her hand with my other one.