“It’s not settled.” I said. “Sophie’s business is her mother’s business.”
June set down her glass, still smiling. “We’re a family. There’s no private business in a family. You’ve lived in my house this long and you still don’t understand that rule?”
“You made that rule.”
“The rules are made by the owner of this house.” June’s voice wasn’t loud, but Frank heard every word. “You live in my house. You eat in my house. I support your whole family of three. You want private business? Fine. Get your own house, then come talk to me about private business.”
Frank’s chopsticks stopped. He looked up, lips moving, and what came out was: “Enough. Both of you. The child is right here.”
Derek’s grip on his fork loosened. Something moved in his throat. Nothing came out.
“Alright. Derek’s spoken.” June’s mouth twitched. “Mom’s done. Eat.”
I didn’t eat. I waited.
After dinner, I followed June into the kitchen and shut the door.
