Silent Prejudice

6

Hope for clarity and honesty. Hope for trust and maybe even reconciliation. To what end, I don’t know, but the prospect is enticing. And if the mere possibility of a connection with Zeno brings me joy, then I should do what I can to explore that outcome. Considering our rocky past, any kind of relationship between us would be a challenge—friendship or otherwise. We are both lugging around enough baggage to ground a jetliner. But is a challenge necessarily bad? What if he and I could reach a place beyond our past? Wouldn’t that be worth the obstacles we might encounter? When I think of the Zeno I used to look up to—the boy who befriended and protected me—the answer is a resounding yes. OceanofPDF.com I don’t see Nevio again before leaving work. My afternoon is spent elbow-deep in silver polish, but the thoughts that accompany me are noticeably improved. When Gia informs me that we received a dinner invitation from the Larsons the day prior, I initially consider declining simply to avoid the burden of conversation. But by quitting time, I’m relieved to find that the prospect of socializing isn’t as overwhelming as it had felt earlier in the day. I’m much improved, despite my tiff with Nevio. When I first lumbered from bed with the weight of the world on my shoulders, I would have thought it would take far more than a single text to shift my mood. But Zeno has always had that effect on me. No matter how securely I anchor myself, I will always feel the pull of his current. After stopping home for a few minutes to freshen up, we all make our way to the Larson cottage. All of us except for Livia, who is yet again missing in action. Fine by me. My tolerance for drama is at an all-time low. And dinner with the Larsons isn’t a grand occasion. Our families have hosted one another at least once a month for as long as I can remember. My parents sometimes host, but dinner is often at the Larson’s house. Considering neither of my parents is particularly fond of cooking, and the house is usually a mess, our reciprocity is somewhat lopsided. Fortunately, Mrs. Larson adores having company. Their family welcomes us with warm greetings and the delicious aroma of a slow-cooked pot roast. Grace is all smiles. She’s even wearing a touch of makeup, which is unusual for her. “You look gorgeous, Gracy! You’ll have to tell me all about the apartment you picked.” My joy for her is genuine, and I do everything I can to suppress my fears that her house of cards will come crashing down. I don’t ask her about Aldo, the disgusting bookie/loan shark who helped finance her move to the city. I don’t want to think about him at all, so I don’t. “Absolutely, but I have even more good news to share! I got a job!” she squeals quietly, hands clapping together with excitement. “Oh, my God, that’s wonderful! Where will you be working?” “It was kind of a long shot, so I can’t believe I got it, but I’ll be ushering at Broadway plays! I put in applications for all kinds of positions, and I may still need to do some waitressing as well, but this kind of job was what I was really hoping for. I’ll get discounted tickets for most shows and can watch the shows when I’m working for free. The head ushers who run everything actually make decent money. I’d love to work toward that someday.” “That sounds incredible, Grace. I’m so happy for you!” I give her a hug with a wide grin. Her optimism is infectious, and it nurtures my ravaged psyche. “When do you start?” “They want me as soon as I’m able, and the apartment is already available, so I’ll be moving this weekend. It’s all come together so fast that my head is spinning. That’s why we’re having dinner during the week instead of Friday or Saturday. Dad is going to help me move this weekend. It shouldn’t be too bad, though. I don’t have all that much stuff to move.” She proceeds to tell me all about her studio apartment and her plans to make her transition as smooth as possible. “I suppose it’s good I’m leaving since we don’t know if the Bishops will be coming back. Mom and Dad may be looking for new work as well.”

I hadn’t even thought about them. I’d been so focused on Gia’s heartbreak that I hadn’t considered how the Bishops’ departure would affect the Larsons. “That would be awful—they’ve been working at the estate forever. Has Carter not given them any hint at his intentions?” It’s a question I should have asked ages ago. If anyone knew what Bishop was doing, it would be his estate manager. She shakes her head. “No. He told them he wasn’t sure when or if he’d be back, but there’s been no word since. Dad keeps assuring Mom that it’ll be fine, but I can tell he’s worried, too.” I wonder if Zeno realizes his interference in Gia and Carter’s budding relationship has affected so many lives. And for what? His fear that the couple would end up like his parents? He may have been right regarding his warning about Nevio, but he overstepped his bounds where Carter Bishop was concerned. He should never have meddled in their relationship, and I have an urge to tell him so, but it will have to wait.