Sammy’s mom interrupted him. “That would be great! Thank you.” Her shrewd gaze moved from Olivia’s swollen lips to Sammy’s tousled hair to the flickering images on the TV. “Have you been hanging out here all day?”
Sammy’s shoulders tensed. Before he could run interference, Olivia answered.
“I was sick for a few days and I’m still recovering. Sammy was nice enough to stay with me so I don’t get too bored.”
“Hmm. Very nice of him, indeed.” Amy cut a glance in her son’s direction.
Sammy shifted his weight and tried not to look too guilty. He’d told his mom he couldn’t make it to dim sum because he had paperwork to catch up on. He hadn’t wanted her to get any ideas about him and Olivia.
Too late.He could practically see the mischief fairies dancing with jubilation in her eyes.
After they finished unpacking the groceries, Amy insisted on making Olivia plain congee seasoned with salt and ginger. It was her go-to food when any of her children were sick.
While they waited for the congee to thicken, Sammy’s mother dropped her bombshell.
“So,” she said, wiping the counter with a damp washcloth. “Did you see Edison’s email?”
Edison had sent the world’s most obnoxious email to every member of their family who had an email account, detailing the dates, logistics, and schedule for his grand Lake Tahoe celebration weekend. Sammy wasn’t sure why he’d bothered—trying to keep all the generations of Yu’s on schedule while they were on vacation was more futile than trying to sweep water off the shores of a beach.
“Yes.”
“Did you see the part where he said a few of us can bring plus-ones? First come, first serve.”
Sammy’s stomach lurched when he realized where his mother was going with this. “No, I didn’t.” He shot her a warning look, which she ignored.
“Well, you can! Isn’t that great? Since Edison is being so generous—although, if you ask me, it’s just a chance for him to show off to more people because he has nothing else going on in his life—you should take him up on it. Free vacation for you and a guest, Sammy! Don’t be a fool and give that up. As a matter of fact...” Amy turned to Olivia with a deceptively innocent expression. “Olivia, haveyouever been to Lake Tahoe?”
Sammy couldn’t believe it. His mother had been there to console him after his breakup with Olivia, and now she was inviting Olivia to go on a fucking family trip?
Shit, she really was serious about going through his exes since he hadn’t liked any of the new women she’d set him up with. First Lucy, now Olivia.
It was a God-awful idea, but Amy wanted grandchildren enough that Sammy wouldn’t put anything past her.
Olivia cast a panicked glance in Sammy’s direction. He responded with a subtle shake of his head, already resigned to his mother’s shenanigans.
“Um, no—”
“Excellent! You’ll join us at Lake Tahoe. It’ll be so fun. Good thing I had the foresight to put Sammy down for a plus one already.” Amy clapped her hands. “Ah, I think the congee’s ready. Let me get that for you.” She bustled over to the stove, humming merrily.
Olivia and Sammy stared at each other, dumbfounded.
What just happened?she mouthed.
He sighed and mouthed back,Looks like we’re all going to Lake Tahoe.