16Tek was taken aback, uncertain how to respond to his sister-in-law’s greeting. He looked at her deeply sun-tanned skin, the result of living in Florida for two decades with her partner, Marlene. Her gray hair was cropped into short curls as it had been since the day they met. Jake was smiling, very much at ease with his aunt.
“Hello, Beth,” Tek said stiffly. “It’s nice to see you.”
Beth lowered herself beside Jake. “Scoot over big boy,” she said, wiggling onto the chair. “Relax. I don’t want to intrude on what’s going on between you and Vicky.” She was the only person Tek’s wife would not correct regarding the use of her name. Sibling privileges, Tek supposed. “I just want what’s best for you all,” she took Jake’s face in her hands, “especially this doll.” Beth gave her nephew a wet ki
