Page 64 of The Bad Girl List

“No.” She shakes her head. “Neither do my mom or aunties. They can understand a little of it, but they come from a generation where there was an expectation to Americanize. That meant learning English and using Cantonese as little as possible.”

“It’s the same with my family,” I say. “They immigrated here from Italy, but no one in my family speaks Italian, not even Gramps.”

“That sucks, don’t you think? I wish I could speak Chinese.”

“Yeah, I wish I could speak Italian.”

“Trevor?”

“Yeah?”

“Is my mom looking at us?”

I glance toward the rowdy game of gin unfolding on the veranda. As I do, my eye briefly catches Louise’s. She quickly looks away, laughing at something Gramps says.

“She’s watching us, isn’t she?” Dom asks without looking up.

“She was looking at us, yeah. But she’s not anymore.”

“Does she look suspicious?”

“I don’t know,” I reply honestly.

“I’m going inside to find Annika. I can’t be sitting here alone with you.”

I don’t want her to go, but she’s right. Her mom is looking at us again, though when I raise my gaze, she pretends to be absorbed in her cards.

Dom is in the middle of putting her things away when Dad steps out on the porch. Uncle Dan is with him, the two of them each holding a wine glass.

“I hate to interrupt this mean game of gin, but dinner is ready,” Dad says. His eyes shine with warm approval when they land on us.

It’s like a douse of cold water. It’s a reminder that the night is still young. I need to stay vigilant so nothing slips.

CHAPTER 18

Designs

DOMINIQUE

The Moretti Winery event center is out of a fairy tale. The building has stone walls with rustic wooden floors. A fire crackles in the hearth on one end, fresh flowers adorning the mantle.

The long wooden table is set with linen napkins and fresh flowers. Platters of spaghetti bolognese, salad, fresh baked bread, and chicken parmigiana are set out. The lights are dimmed, giving the feel of candlelight.

Though I’ve been on edge ever since I got here, I find myself enjoying the meal. Things have relaxed drastically since we first arrived.

Trevor and I sit on one end with Annika and Thomas, which I hope detracts from whatever Mom saw between us on the veranda. I haven’t seen her look our way once, which I take as a good sign.

Trevor’s mom has also settled down since we first arrived, when she seemed hell-bent on parading all of Trevor’s accomplishments in front of my family. She and his dad keep stealing glances at the two of us, a reminder to be on my guard throughout the meal, though at least they don’t verbally bring attention to us.

The old-timers have become instant fans of my family. Auntie Helen is regaling them with tales of how she finds the best two-for-one coupons for all the casinos within a hundred-mile radius of Oakland where they live. I have a feeling Gramps and his friends might take them to a local Indian casino one of these nights, especially if Auntie Helen can dig up a coupon.

Trevor leans in my direction as he passes me the bread basket. “Think we might get through tonight without any more weirdness?”

“Don’t say that. You’re going to jinx it.” I glance at him. “You know, it’s really sweet that your family wants you to be happy. I can tell they really care about you.”

“I know.” He turns his attention to his plate and spears a piece of chicken. “It still drives me crazy, though.”

Annika and Thomas are sitting close together, the two of them spending entirely too much time leaning over Annika’s phone.

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