Ian immediately rolls his eyes, as Mum watches me, concern etched across her face. Nick’s glare pierces through me. Dad keeps eating, as if nothing’s going on.
“What’s wrong with you, Ryan?”
At least this time it took five minutes before one of our pleasant discussions. We’re making progress.
“Nothing,” I say flatly. “I’ve just got a bit of a cough.”
“Maybe you’re getting a cold,” Mum says, trying to ease the tension.
“Maybe you caught it last night, outside,” Nick adds.
He’s shooting. But he’s not going to fucking score.
“I don’t think so.”
“But you were outside, all alone, in the cold.”
“Why? Didn’t you want to join in with the party?” Mum asks.
“Sure,” I say, defensively.
“He even danced with a woman,” Nick continues.
“Really?” Mum’s face lights up. “Who was she? Do we know her?”
“It was Chris, from theRed Cherry.”
I swear I’ll jump across the table and stuff a napkin right down his fucking throat.
“Oh, that’s wonderful! She’s such a sweet girl, and so pretty.”
“You danced with her, too,” I shoot back, glaring at him.
My mother turns suddenly towards him.
“Nick O’Connor!”
“At least I didn’t follow her into the women’s toilets.”
Shit.
“You didwhat?” Mum asks, horrified.
“It wasn’t what it looked like…”
“Oh, I’m sure it was.”
“Mind your own fucking business.”
“Why should I? Your business is definitely more interesting than my own.”
“Guys…” Ian tries to intervene.
“Did you really follow Chris into the toilets, Ryan?” Riley asks, as discreetly as she can.
“We had a bit of a…disagreement,” I hiss through my teeth.
I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
