Page 22 of High Density

My eyes dart to JD’s sister, who looks like she’s sitting on pins and needles.

“I have an announcement,” she suddenly blurts out.

In the dead silence that follows, I feel JD’s hand squeezing my knee under the table. I have a feeling whatever it was she apologized for at the door, we’re about to find out.

“Una…” JD says softly in a cautionary tone.

But she ignores him.

“I’m getting married.”

JD’s fingers dig into my knee and silverware clatters on a plate, as this news apparently comes as a surprise for the family.A good one, judging by the look on Ama’s face, who is clearly smiling behind the hands she presses to her mouth.

“I had no idea you were seeing someone,” Ama exclaims. “Who is he? Why didn’t you bring him to meet us?”

The long pregnant pause is filled with so much tension, I’m on the edge of my seat. Una darts an anxious glance at her brother and at me, then straightens her shoulders and lifts her chin, before focusing her attention on her mother.

“Her name is Rachel.”

From beside me I hear JD’s soft,“Fuck.”

Chapter Seven

JD

I could murdermy sister right now.

I have more than a strong suspicion she didn’t just decide to spill the beans.

I’m pissed, she should’ve given me a heads-up she was going to do it, but I bet she realized I’d never have agreed to invite Janey into what is now sure to be a major family drama. Hell, the whole Rachel and getting married thing is as new to me as it is to my parents.

“I’m sorry?” Ma looks confused as she slowly sinks back down in her chair.

Una darts a glance at our father, who is keeping his eyes firmly fixed on his plate. He’s not giving her anything to go by. No sign as to how he’s receiving the news.

Ma, on the other hand, couldn’t hold back her reaction if she tried, as is evident from the range of emotions playing out on her face. She usually has a pretty decent poker face, but there’s no hint of one now.

“Rachel asked me to marry her and I said yes.”

“Rachel?” Ma echoes, her eyebrows raised. “Marriage?”

“Yes, I’m gay, Ma, and I’m marrying a woman who is amazing. She owns an apple orchard near San Luis Obispo, which has the most amazing views of Prefumo Canyon, and?—”

“Stop.” Our mother claps her hands to her ears. “I need a minute.”

It’s funny, for years I’ve tried to convince Una to speak up about her sexual orientation, told her she wasn’t giving our parents enough credit. She always held back, waiting for the right time to let them know. Well, I’m pretty sure telling them when you’re about to get married is not exactly the prime moment.

“Congratulations,” Janey says in a soft voice, shooting my sister a tentative smile.

She courageously chooses sisterhood over strategic silence and, although I appreciate her kindness and her courage, I’m not sure Ma will agree. Her eyes snap to Janey before coming to me, narrowing to slits.

“You knew?”

It’s more of an accusation than an actual question, which is why I feel it doesn’t need a response. She already knows.

“I expected this kind of betrayal from her…” She indicates Una. “But never from you,” she directs at me.

“Ama…”

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