“Erin Vannett.” Her attitude was all-business as she shook my hand aggressively then pulled out her chair and sat. “Did you wait to order?”
“Yeah,” Tara said, studying her sister critically. “It’s good to see you.” Although her tone and expression said otherwise.
“I’m glad this worked out.” Erin was barely paying any attention to her sister. Instead, she glanced around the room, looking for the server. “I’m starving. Did you order an appetizer?”
Our server must have sensed her, because he came over immediately. Tara and I sat in silence as her sister ordered a salad and asked for half of the ingredients on the side and had detailed instructions about how she’d like it prepared.
A salad.
Maybe Tara was right, and her sister was a monster.
When we’d ordered and she relieved the server, Erin focused on her sister, giving a smile so big it felt like a production. “How are you? What’s new? Dad said you’re still doing the sales thing.”
“Yup.”
Erin wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “How’s that going?”
“Fine.” Tara’s gaze connected with mine for a split second, and it looked strangely like she was offering an apology. “How’s work for you?”
It made sense soon after because Erin spent the next twenty minutes talking about herself. We listened dutifully as she told us all about her job as a project manager and how she was steadily climbing the ranks within the company. It wasn’t until after her salad arrived that she took a breath.
“So,” she said, pushing her salad around with a fork to ensure it was correct, “Grant. What do you do?”
“I’m a line producer for a local morning show.”
She paused, probably just now hearing my accent. “Where are you from?”
“Ireland,” Tara said, and I smiled.
The inside joke wasn’t just lost on Erin, it seemed to annoy her. “What?”
“South Africa,” I said.
“Oh, wow. Interesting.” She dipped a bite of lettuce in her cup of dressing. “And you two are dating? Or just friends?”
Tara’s voice was sure. “We’re together.”
I lifted the corner of my mouth in a smile. I liked how she’d confidently stated it.
Erin’s gaze shifted toward her sister. “You’re into guys again?” She lobbed the comment at me under her breath, like it was a funny secret she was letting me in on. “She went through a phase where she dated girls.”
Tara raised an eyebrow in displeasure, and her tone was patronizing. “Yeah, a phase of bisexuality that will unfortunately last the rest of my life.”
Her sister set down her silverware. “Why do you have to be like this? No one cares if you want to be gay.” She sighed with indifference. “Just pick one and be gay if you want. Or be straight. It’s really not that hard.”
My jaw nearly hit the table.
Rather than get upset, a smile curled on Tara’s lips like she found the whole thing hilarious. “You’re right, it’s totally a choice. I wasn’t born like this, I chose it.” Her tone was affected. Too bright and fake. “Just like you—you weren’t born to be a self-centered asshole. You wake up every morning and make the choice to be that way.”
Erin rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, calm down. You know what I meant. I’m just saying it’s confusing for us, and it’s not necessary. Mom and Dad are okay if you want to be a lesbian. You don’t have to pretend to be straight for our benefit.”
Tension coiled in my back. Tara didn’t seem upset by her sister’s callous attitude, but the male part of me was hardwired to want to protect. I didn’t want to see her get hurt, and although it wasn’t my place, I couldn’t stop myself. “She’s not pretending, and I’m sure who Tara chooses to date has nothing to do with you, or your family.”
Tara pushed her plate back. She’d lost her appetite, and judging by her irritated expression, her patience too. “I think we should get the check.”
Erin’s shoulders snapped back, and her tone was incredulous. “You want to leave? All because I told you I was okay with you being a lesbian?” Her expression patronized. “Okay, that makes sense.”
“But I’m not a lesbian,” Tara snapped, waving the server down. “I’m bi. Just like I told you I was at Lacey’s wedding, and the last time I was home, and at least three other times. I’ve tried to explain it, but I’m just . . . tired. I’m bi, Erin. I’m sorry if that’s confusing, but as Grant mentioned, it’s not actually about you.”