“Sorry, sis,” she said. “But he kisses better than Tom. I might not give him back!”
Nobody laughed.
The whole backyard was silent. Even the birds had stopped.
Rachel laughed, alone. “Just a joke,” she said. “Oh my God, everyone. It’s a party. Lighten up.”
Something hot rushed up through my whole body. From my feet to my face. My hands were
shaking so badly the fruit salad sloshed in the bowl.
I was about to walk down the steps. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Throw the bowl, maybe. Scream. Grab my children and run.
And then, behind me, Tom laughed.
It was a short laugh. Quiet. Almost gentle.
He was standing right behind me in the doorway, so I couldn’t see his face or what he was doing.
But I could see Rachel’s face.
And Rachel’s smile vanished.
It didn’t fade. It vanished. All at once, like someone had flipped a switch. Her face went completely
blank.
And Michael went pale. Not a little pale. White. White as the tablecloth on the long table. White as the paper lanterns.
They were both staring at Tom. Staring at whatever he was holding up behind my shoulder. Like they’d seen a ghost.
