Page 61 of Chasing Fireflies

“You’re going to burn your rolls,” Mama says as she takes them out of the oven. They’re perfectly brown. No one is burning shit. I don’t say anything to her.

“Where’s the bird?” Cash walks in and smiles.

*

Cash

The food is good, and everyone tells Sara so. She nods and gives a small smile, but I can tell something is off. She shifts in her seat and looks down at her plate. Her mama is asking how much money she spent on all these decorations and food. And that’s exactly what I can’t stand about the woman. What’s it her business? I take a bite of my food and look over at Sara when I hear a fork clink down hard on a plate. “It’s none of your damn business,” she snaps loudly toward her mom. Everyone stops eating and looks at Sara.

“Sara,” I say, reaching my hand over at her.

“No.” She snatches her hand away, and I swallow. Here it is. Here is the blow up. “This food is terrible,” she says, sliding her plate away. “Everything is overcooked, isn’t it, Mama?”

“I think it’s great,” Mark says.

“It’s shit,” Sara replies.

“Sara,” I repeat.

“I’m sick to death of looking at it.”

“You did a good job,” I tell her.

“Oh, that’s perfect, isn’t it, Cash? Go ahead and tell everyone how good of a job I did, like I’m five.” She roughly slides her chair back and tosses her napkin onto the table before she walks away. I run a hand over my face and look around. Our friends and her family sit here, all eyes on me.

“I think we should call it a day,” I say. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s totally fine, Cash,” Leigh says. “We were finished anyway. Let me help put some of this up.” She turns to Debbie. “Debbie, would you mind helping me?”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” I say.

“It’s not a problem.” Leigh stands and grabs a few bowls from the table. I look over at Walter, likewhy didn’t you shut your wife up?

*

“I really appreciate you helping clean things up,” I say to Leigh as they start to walk out.

“I didn’t mind a bit. I’m really sorry about earlier.”

“Cash, please, don’t be. We’re your friends—next best thing to family. We understand.”

“Thanks.”

I shake Mark’s hand and shut the door after they walk out. “She can’t be on the right medications if she has mood swings this badly.” Debbie enters the living room, and Walter walks behind her.

“Cash, you need to—”

“Debbie, do you ever shut up?” I ask. Her eyes go wide, and Walter doesn’t say anything. “Your daughter has been in that kitchen since yesterday cooking, trying to make it perfect, because she knew you would have something to say. And you did, over and over! No, her medication doesn’t work half the time. Yes, we have gone and gotten it changed. Yes, she spent a good bit of money on food and decorations. But just shut up about it!”

“Well…” Debbie says.

“Well, my ass,” I reply, opening the door. “We’ll talk soon.”

Debbie storms past me, but Walter stops. He gives me a grin, and I can’t help it, so I burst out laughing.

“See you later, my boy. Take care of our girl.”

“Yes, sir,” I reply before he walks out.

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