Chapter 8: Tensions at the Table

As the groom, I was surrounded in the living room by Emily’s aunts and cousins, all fussing over me—handing me pie, chatting endlessly, though half the time I couldn’t keep up.

They asked about my job, my parents, my favorite football team, and whether I liked sweet tea or black coffee. I played along, laughing at their jokes, but my mind kept drifting back to the kitchen window, where the backyard barbecue was winding down.

Finally I got a break and glanced out the window, eyes sore. From the old house, I could see the yard. I spotted Emily talking to Jake by the fence. They weren’t speaking loudly. Emily gestured, Jake looked unconvinced but kept nodding.

She looked tense, her arms crossed as she pointed at him. Jake just kept nodding, not really listening, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

After about five minutes, Emily glanced into the yard and caught my eye. She smiled sweetly, then came back inside and sat next to me.

She brushed imaginary crumbs off my shoulder and settled next to me on the couch, acting like nothing had happened. But I could feel the tension buzzing beneath her skin.

“Babe, what were you talking to Jake about?”

“I told him to behave. If he causes any more trouble, he’s out.”

Her answer came quickly, almost too quickly. I raised an eyebrow, but let it go.

“How are you holding up with all these relatives? At dinner, they’ll definitely make you drink.”

“You know my tolerance isn’t great, but with so many aunts and uncles, I might not be able to say no. Maybe I should find a drinking buddy?”

I tried to lighten the mood, but the nerves came through in my voice.

“Of course, you’re the groom—you call the shots.”

She patted my knee, giving me a smile that almost looked genuine.

I nodded and pointed outside. “Let Jake drink with me.”

Emily hesitated. “Let him? No way, how can he be your drinking buddy?”

Her tone sharpened, and her hands twisted the edge of her napkin. I could tell she didn’t like the idea.

“I just think we’re about the same age, so it’s less formal.”

“Uncle, do we have enough people for the main table? If not, let Jake join. Emily just slapped him—I can use this chance to apologize.”

I caught her uncle’s eye, nodding toward Jake. The uncle shrugged, looking around the room.

Not giving Emily a chance to refuse, I asked her uncle directly.

Her uncle counted heads. “We’re short one—let Jake join then.”

He waved Jake in, and the decision was made. Emily shot me a look but said nothing.

“See, Em? You married into a good family. Look how sensible Ryan is. Next time, don’t hit people for no reason.”

The uncle winked at me, as if trying to smooth things over. Emily’s lips tightened into a thin line.

Emily seemed thoughtful. After a long pause, she said, “I understand, uncle.”

She nodded slowly, her jaw set. Whatever was going on, she’d made up her mind about something.