looking up from his cell phone, blue eyes intent on his texting.
As long as he’s not sexting…
“Hello to you, too,” I mutter.
“Heeeeeeeey,” Gigi sings, sauntering in after Merc and plopping down in the chair beside him, stretching out her legs. “How was Day One of Torture, Tati?”
“It was fine,” I say shortly, because Mom is listening in. “I got the job.”
“Of course you did.” Gigi shoots me an appraising look. “Never doubted you.”
“Sure you did.”
She laughs delightedly and tickles Merc who merely moves his chair away from her clever fingers. “And? What did you think of Matthew Hansen? Are the rumors true?”
“What rumors?” Mom asks, carrying the pot to the table and I take out the bowls from the cupboard and place them on the table. Then I place spoons and napkins, and cut up some bread.
Gigi and Merc don’t move to help. I’ve spoiled those brats rotten.
Also, when I turn back around, I find Gigi eyeing me, as if gauging whether to speak in front of Mom.
Too late now, isn’t it, Sis?
“So… Matthew Hansen,” she finally says as Mom ladles out the fragrant soup into the bowls. “His neighbors say he drinks. So he’s obviously going straight to hell.”
He does?
Merc rolls his eyes. “Whatever.”
“What about his wife?” I ask, taking my seat beside Merc. “Where is she?”
“Jacinda says she kicked him out because of his vices,” Gigi says, and as I open my mouth to ask what vices, she goes on, “Nobody knows anything about his wife, though. They’re making stories up because he’s such a jerk.”
“He stood up for me in front of Jasper,” I say softly, remembering the moment. “And Ross. At the garage.”
Mom goes white. I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been looking straight at her as she gets up and walks over to the sink, her back rigid.
What is that about?
“Ross is a perv,” Gigi says cheerfully. “He’s pretty hot, too.”
I make a face. “He’s slimy.”
Merc burps.
“Hey!” Mom returns with more slices of bread. I don’t point out there are still some on the plate in the middle of the table. “Manners.”
“What? The Chinese consider it a compliment. Good soup, Mom.”
She sighs, but then smiles. Merc is her baby and always will be, even when he’s six feet tall and being a douche. He has her wrapped around his little finger.
“And what about our new neighbor?” Gigi says, fluttering her lashes at me.
“What new neighbor?” Mom asks.
“He’s real handsome. And has manners.” Gigi nudges Merc in the ribs.
“Hey.”