Page 99 of Little Do You Know

The tension in the room is thick, and everyone is now on edge. The moms aren’t oblivious, and I’m sure they’ve figured out by now that something has shifted in our friendship.

Vera’s comments are fewer after that, but they don’t disappear entirely. She needs to cut this shit out before my self-control wanes.

Sebastian volunteers to help with dessert while Owen clears the table. I get up quietly to follow Bash because I can’t sit next to Vera any longer.

I start to precut the pie and cherry cobbler into even slices just to have something to do, and Sebastian comes up behind me to take the knife from me. “I feel like this is a bad time for you to have a knife.”

“I’m not going to stab her,” I clarify, failing to mention that stabbing Vera with the fork has crossed my mind more than a few times.

He leans down and rests his head on my shoulder. “Lia, you’re doing great.”

“I don’t feel like I am. I feel like I’m going to punch her next time she says something.”

Sebastian kisses the top of my head, rubbing my back reassuringly before grabbing more plates and silverware. “I know, but you have to let it go for now. Just refrain from throwing any fists, okay?”

However, it’s after the pie is served that what’s left of the calm disappears. “Bash, I have to say this pie is incredible. Mirabelle will be sorry she missed it,” Anna tries to offer kindly, and his smile tightens at the mention of Mimi.

“If there’s any left, I thought I might take her a slice. Or I could always make another pie, but I don’t know if I can recreate Mimi’s recipe twice. I’ll have to ask Thalia for help; I made the biggest mess.” Bash laughs at himself, trying to keep the mood light. I haven’t wanted to bring it up yet, but he needs to tell Owen and my parents how bad things are getting with Mimi. He can’t shoulder this forever.

I laugh, shaking my head at my boyfriend. Fuck, I love calling him that, even if it’s just in my head. “I’ll help with the baking, but I’m not going to help you clean up the next mess. You’re on your own for that one, babe.”

Vera interrupts with a scoff. “What about how he’s always there to clean up your messes? Even when he’s a mess because you broke up with him,” she says bluntly, and the table falls into a stunned silence. “We all know it’s going to happen again because you can’t see what’s right in front of you.”

“Vera, seriously don’t.” Owen sighs tiredly, trying to prevent a brawl. She ignores him, looking directly at me for the first time during this meal.

“Really? You want to do this now?” I ask, ignoring Owen because she’s playing a dangerous game.

“Girls—” Anna tries to interrupt, but Vera tilts her head up in the form of a challenge.

“Maybe I do.”

She’s insane. I should have stabbed her with the fork when I had the chance.

“Vera, stop. You’re embarrassing yourself. Let this go,” Sebastian cuts in, clearing his throat as everyone turns to look at him. Vera’s dark eyes widen, but I’m honestly not sure what she expected Bash to say? This was ridiculous before, but she’s literally sitting at my family’s dining table. Vera could show a little respect to them.

The only sounds that can be heard are the clinking of silverware against the plates. Mom and Anna are sharing questioning looks, clearly deciding who is going to ask what happened.

“Is everything okay between you two?” Mom asks, folding her napkin over her lap.

“Mom, maybe we can just talk about this later?” Owen tries to say, and Grandma looks at him in shock.

“Hush, I want to hear what happened,” she scolds as I finish my glass.

“You’ll have to ask her. She’s the one with the problem,” I say, and Vera stiffens next to me.

“Vera, what is Thalia talking about?” Anna asks carefully.

Owen looks at me nervously, clearly waiting for me to explode. I can’t really blame him.

“My problem is that Thalia takes Sebastian for granted. He deserves better than her,” Vera says boldly. I clench my fists, trying to refrain from hitting her because that won’t get us anywhere. Even if I really want to.

“Lia,” Bash says quietly, reaching for my hand. I know I should keep my mouth shut. I know I shouldn’t say anything, but I’m done.

“Better like you? Because kissing Sebastian when you knew we were together is such a great quality, Vera,” I snap, and Grandma coughs to cover her laugh.

“How was I supposed to know you guys were together when you’re only together when it’s convenient for you?” Vera glares at me, and I roll my eyes. That is such a pathetic excuse. She knew.

“Because I was telling you to leave. That should have been the first and only clue you needed, but I told you that Thalia and I were together. You didn’t listen or care before kissing me,” Sebastian says cooly, losing his patience as well. On the bright side, it’s a little nice to see him lose it with someone other than me.

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