Page 67 of Smooth Moves
Chapter 13
“Happy Independence Day!” Maria Younger raised her glass and waited for the rest of them to raise their plastic cups as they sat outside at the picnic table in the backyard of the house Jordan had grown up in. “Thank you for your service, Jordan.”
Jordan smiled, still cautious, and drank her fruit punch. Next to her, Rafi did the same. Carl, Leanne, her fiancé Troy, and their mother drank a local organic beer, the grownups enjoying a sunny Fourth of July picnic.
The food had been enjoyable if a little bland. The entire picnic was organic, sugar- and gluten-free, and non-GMO. As usual with her parents, no “bad” stuff allowed, even in the food.
Rafi liked being home, she knew, but more than that, he loved being with their parents. No matter what he said or how he tried to act rebellious, he loved them. As he should. It had hurt him, deeply, that the pair had wanted to ship him off to kid boot camp rather than stick it out through the tough times and help him adjust.
Jordan had to squelch her irritation with them, knowing they loved all their children but didn’t know how to best help them. Leanne, “La Princesa,” smiled her bright-white teeth at Troy, Mr. Wonderful, and toasted him.
“And to my amazing fiancé”—Jordan sipped her punch, having turned the mentions of “fiancé” into a private drinking game—“Troy Fielding, for making partner in his firm!”
They all drank, though Jordan wondered why Leanne had to make a big deal about Troy during the one holiday that celebrated independence. Ironic considering Leanne had never shown all that much independence herself.
And there you go, being bitchy again.
“Not so surprising, Troy,” Carl said with a big grin. Of average height but sporting a killer smile and bright-blue eyes, he very well looked the part of Leanne’s father despite having no biological tie. Rafi and Jordan, meanwhile, took after their mother’s side of the family. Unfortunately, Maria didn’t know much about her Brazilian relatives, since her own mother had only ever concentrated on being “American.”
The few times Jordan had met her grandmother, Vó Ana had given her treats and spoken in broken English and Portuguese. The woman had passed away when Jordan was six, and all traces of her family’s Brazilian heritage had sadly died with her.
Jeff Fleming had, by all accounts, been a good man and loving husband. Jordan remembered his big hugs and smiles and the way he’d been so invested in his family. The accident had hurt them all, but a year later, their mother had found Carl, another good man.
Except Carl let Maria hide from the ugly side of family a little too well. Though Jordan could understand not wanting to deal with angry teenagers, now living with one, she couldn’t conceive of washing her hands of her brother. It had been tough enough for her to strike out on her own under the guidance of Army drill sergeants. And she’d been eighteen and of strong mind.
Rafi had problems, issues his family should be helping him resolve.
“Jordan?” Leanne waited.
“I’m sorry. What?”
“How’s work going?”
Thinking of Cash, she smiled. “Good. It’s not mentally taxing, but I like that.”
Her mother sighed. “When are you going to figure out what you’re doing with your life?”
Carl warned, “Maria.”
“No, Carl. It’s a legitimate question. Can you imagine moving boxes when you’re sixty years old?” she asked Jordan.
Troy scoffed. “I’ve told you I can get you a job at my company. They need security people, and you were military police.”
The way he said “security people” put Jordan on edge. The man never outright stated his prejudices, but it was clear to her that he thought himself better than everyone else. Except for maybe Leanne.
“I don’t want a security job, thanks. I’m using this time to help my brother,” she said pointedly to her parents, who didn’t so much as blink, “and to figure out my goals. I have the GI Bill to use, and I don’t want to make any mistakes and waste credits.”
Carl perked up. “See? That’s our smart girl. Jordan has always gone her own way, and she’s been remarkable.”
Jordan liked that he’d stood up for her.
“I know.” Leanne gushed. “My sister is tough and a hard worker. I was actually wanting to interview her for a piece we’re doing at the magazine.”
A stupid e-zine that had over a million subscribers and put out a corresponding print edition each month. And of course, Leanne was one of its leading contributors and a top editor. It sometimes bothered Jordan that everything her sister touched turned to gold. Then again, if Leanne ever had to deal with adversity, her head would probably explode.
“What a terrific idea, honey.” Troy kissed Leanne’s cheek. “You’re so smart.”
Next to her, Rafi whispered, “Barf.”
