Page 6 of Sin Bin

Wendi clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Lasagna is so fattening. Why don’t you try something lighter like the salmon piccata? It’s healthier for you.”

Meadow’s face heated as the waitress gave her a sympathetic better-you-than-me look.

“I’m sure the salmon piccata is delicious,” she managed to say evenly. “But I’d rather have lasagna.” She closed her menu and smiled at the waitress. “I’ll also have a big slice of that white truffle garlic bread.”

“Sure thing.” The waitress winked in solidarity before collecting their menus and retreating to the kitchen.

Wendi was seething with displeasure. “You should really try to cut down on bread and pasta. They have way too many calories, and you have to be extra careful because you’re short.” She patted Meadow’s hand. “Short people carry weight the worst.”

Meadow picked up her glass of water and took a long, calming sip. She was five-two, petite like her biological mother. She’d been a scrawny kid, so skinny and malnourished that she’d always looked much younger than her age. She didn’t start gaining weight until she was in her late teens. She’d filled out pretty well, curves replacing her bony frame.

Lately she’d been stress eating, so she’d put on a few extra pounds that Wendi had obviously noticed. The woman’s critical eye didn’t miss a thing.

Meadow almost breathed a sigh of relief when her father returned to the table and sat down.

“Sorry about that,” he apologized.

“Is everything okay?” Wendi was all saccharine smiles now. She never bared her claws when Harris was around. She knew better.

“Everything’s fine.” Harris glanced around the restaurant. “Did the waitress ever show up? She’s slower than our regular waitress.”

“She showed up. I ordered your usual.” Wendi unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. “So what were you and Meadow discussing so intently when I arrived?”

Harris frowned, looking disgruntled. “Meadow was telling me about her job interview.”

“You have a job interview?” Wendi said excitedly to Meadow. “That’s wonderful! When is it?”

“This Friday,” Meadow answered. “It’s actually my second interview. The first one was on the phone.”

“They’re flying her out to Denver,” Harris grumbled.

“Denver?” Wendi looked delighted. “How exciting for you, Meadow!”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“What’s the name of the company?” Wendi asked.

“Gamenetic. It’s a mobile gaming company.”

“How interesting. What’s the job title?”

“Corporate social responsibility manager. It’s a brand new position.”

“Corporate social responsibility manager?” Harris looked skeptical. “What would you be doing?”

“Well, my primary responsibility would be to develop programs to help local youth and improve the community.”

“Sounds right up your alley,” Wendi gushed.

Harris nodded, albeit grudgingly.

“And you can stay with your aunt Rosalie. How perfect!” Wendi rejoiced, practically bouncing in her chair. She couldn’t be more obvious about wanting Meadow gone.

Harris was silently toying with his fork, moving it back and forth on the table. Meadow watched him for several moments.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked quietly.

He met her gaze and shook his head. “You became a social worker because you wanted to help abused children and make a difference in their lives. Working for a corporation isn’t the same as working for Family Services. Who’s to say you’ll find the new job rewarding enough? Who’s to say you won’t miss your casework?”

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