Page 17 of Our Big White Lie
Well, a little wine took care of most of that, so—awesome. I’d be sober by the time we drove home after midnight, but this early in the evening, I could get tipsy without issue.
Our family always broke out the board and card games on New Year’s, and just like she always did, Ava slid easily into the banter and trash-talking. We made mincemeat of my dad and brother at Spades. My mousey preschool teacher sister-in-law absolutely destroyed us all at Cards Against Humanity, putting down some card combos that had us all gasping.
“Corinne!” My brother touched his chest and stared wide-eyed at his wife after she’d put down a particularly horrifying combination. “That’s fucked up!”
She smiled sweetly at him. “That’s the point of the game, isn’t it?”
“It is, but…” Duncan glanced at her cards, then at her. “Jesus Christ, honey.”
She snickered, and we all laughed, including my brother.
While the cards were put away and everyone debated what to play next, I slipped out to the kitchen to refill mine and Ava’s drinks.
I was just pouring our wine when my dad walked in.
“Hey, kiddo.” He had that same concerned expression Mom had worn earlier. Aww, crap.
“Hey.” I put the bottle down. “What’s up?”
“Just, uh…” He glanced at the kitchen doorway as if to make sure he hadn’t been followed. Then he faced me again. “Listen, word is definitely getting around to the family. About you and Ava getting married.”
“Mmhmm.” I swirled my wine. “I figured it would be. How is it going over?”
Dad sighed. “I’d love to tell you thewholefamily are happy and supportive. And most of them are. But…”
I nodded. “I know. I’m not expecting Grandma or Aunt Elizabeth to be happy about it.”
He didn’t gainsay me. Resting his hip against the counter, he said, “It’s your wedding, though. You and Ava are happy together, and that’s all your mother and I care about. We support you, and so does most of the family. Just… probably not those two.”
“Does that mean I don’t have to invite them?”
He rocked his head back and forth. “It might cause more drama if you don’t than if you do.”
“Considering how much drama it’s going to cause that I’m marrying a woman…” I raised my eyebrows.
“Yeah. I know. But marrying a womanandcommitting a social faux pas might make peopletalk.”
I grinned. “But that could be fun!”
Dad sighed. “Victoria…”
“I’m kidding. I mean, itwouldbe fun, but yes, I’ll invite them.” I huffed a laugh that was dryer than my wine. “Kind of a waste of money to print and mail their invitations, but…”
“Yeah. I know. Family sucks sometimes.”
“You said it, not me.”
Dad chuckled and patted my shoulder. “Come on. Sounds like they’re getting a game of Risk started.”
“Ooh, you’re all toast!”
He rolled his eyes. “Get in there.”
I laughed, gathered both wineglasses, and headed into the living room. When I saw Ava, though, I almost stumbled.
My aunt and grandma are going to be pissed that I’m marrying you?
Well, maybe they’ll be used to the idea when it comes time for me to get married for real.
