Page 122 of Trusting Easton

“How was school today, Easton?” my father asks as Nova and I join him at the table.

“It was okay. I got an A on my Spanish test.”

He passes me the salad. “And how was hockey practice?”

“Good. It should be an easy win tomorrow.”

“Are you going out after the game?”

“Probably not, unless Nova wants to go.” I smile at her. “I’m guessing she’s not too excited about going to a party with the hockey team.”’

“I’d go,” she says.

“Then maybe we will.”

“How’s the job search going?” my dad asks Nova.

“I talked to Rod, my old boss. He said I could start working weekends again.”

The past few days, my dad’s actually shown interest in Nova. Every night at dinner he asks her questions, just like he does for Jenna and me. I think it’s too soon to say he’s accepted her or likes her, but he’s at least making an effort.

“Nova got a C on her history assignment,” my mom says, sounding impressed.

“When I get a C, Dad yells at me,” Jenna says.

“Because I expect more from you,” my dad says. “What happened at school today?”

“Nothing,” she mumbles. “Oh!” She perks up. “I heard Delia’s parents are getting divorced!”

“And you’re excited about this?” I say.

“I don’t really care, but everyone was talking about it. They said her dad was cheating on her mom with the nanny.”

“That’s not the kind of information I’m hoping to get when I ask you about your school day,” my dad says.

Jenna shrugs. “It’s all I got.”

“How was work?” my mom asks my dad.

“We’re looking into acquiring a regional bank in St. Louis. I’ll probably have to go down there in a couple weeks.”

“Right before Christmas? Stephen, you said you wouldn’t travel that week.”

“And you said we’d only have family at holidays.” He smirks. “I guess we’re both breaking our word.”

She clears her throat and looks down at her plate.

“How was your day, Mrs. Voss?” Nova asks.

We always forget to ask my mom about her day so she looks surprised when Nova does.

“Well, let’s see.” She pauses a moment. “I went to the store, did a class at the gym, made some phone calls. Nothing too exciting.” She laughs a little. “Honestly, my days are becoming rather mundane. I think it’s time I consider going back to work.”

“As a lawyer?” my dad says.

“Yes, Stephen. What else would I do?”

“That job requires a lot of hours. Who would be home for the children?”

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