Chapter 40
JonahI didn’t know whether to celebrate the superficial politeness in Mother’s demeanor or yell at her later for its disapproving undercurrent. I’d asked her to behave. Technically, she was.
Shannon handled her well enough. Her pride in herself stimulated the same feeling in me. At least, Mom hadn’t intimidated her. Most of my girlfriends had moments of stumbling and trembling in Mom’s presence—especially on her home turf. Maybe not traveling in the same high-society circles mitigated the fear Shannon might have felt.
Dad meandered into the dining room a few minutes after everyone else sat down, directing his gaze at me. “I need to talk with you after dinner.”
“About what?”
“A new business opportunity.”
“Leave it for Monday, then. I want to show Shannon the grounds.”
“You
