Page 80 of Second Chance Vacation

“She doesn’t want to go to brunch with our parents tomorrow.”

“Ah—makes sense.” He grabs a water from the fridge before walking toward the door to the backyard. “Good luck with that.”

Unmuting the microphone, I sigh.

“Hannah—are you done?”

That was a mistake.

She continues to rant. This time it seems to be in an attempt to talk my ear off.

“…now I’m done.”

Finally.

“Good. We’re meeting at Andre’s Bistro at ten tomorrow. Do you need a ride?”

“Well, I don’t exactly live here, so that would be preferred, yes.”

“Hannah,” I scold.

“Fine—I’m sorry. That would be appreciated. Thank you, Jackson.”

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Mhm.”

Click.

My head meets the cold marble once again, and I breathe in a deep sigh. The last thing I need right now is to deal with this.

Hannah and I arrive at Andre’s ten minutes early, finding our table with little difficulty. Andre’s is a newer but highly reviewed brunch spot right smack dab downtown. It’s only a five-minute walk from Baker & Park, so it is no surprise to me when Mr. and Mrs. Park appear.

“Hannah!” Mrs. Park perks up, leaning toward Hannah, who is now standing, leaning into her as well, meeting her with a kiss on the cheek. She is an older woman, mid-fifties. Her hair is blonde and styled meticulously, exactly like the other women in her circle. “How’s New York treating you?”

“It’s good,” Hannah mumbles, stuffing part of a biscuit in her mouth. Mrs. Park seems to take the hint, looking at Stephen as they continue their small talk. The restaurant is beginning to fill in. The sound of silverware mixed with the scent of bacon sizzling fills the air.

Mom and Dad appear at 10:00 AM on the dot. Formality sets in as Hannah and I both instinctually stand, each greeting them with a hug. Hannah suddenly falls formal, folding her napkin into her lap. She is stiffer than normal.

“So Jackson, now that we’re not in the office. How are you liking Baker & Park? You can be honest.” Stephen winks at me as he, too, folds his white linen napkin in his lap.

“It’s great. I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice working with Liam so closely.”

Hannah chokes on her mimosa. Mom’s eyes instantly dart to her, shooting her with a glare. Without a second beat, Hannah clears her throat, looks down at the table, and doesn’t say a word.

“He was so sad he couldn’t make it today.” Stephen turns to my parents. “He had a prior engagement. He sends his love.”

Yeah—prior engagement. I would bet money that it's more about avoiding something than attending something.

“Tell him that we are sorry we missed him, and we can’t wait to see him very soon.”

Formalities finally relax as the server comes around with another round of mimosas, Dad getting a glass of whiskey, neat.

“How is our Genevieve?” Mom looks at Hannah and me as she manages to choke on her beverage for the second time. “Hannah—manners.”

“Sorry, Mom.”

Despite the detour, she continues to pin Hannah and me with a stare.

---