Dinner at the Maxsons was noisier than Clay had expected. The dining table was being extended to fit them all but it was still no use as everyone found themselves eating, uncomfortably squashed together. Clay had Sam by his left side, which he was thankful for, and Greta by his right. Sam's father had come down and sat close to Rhea, barely talking at all but appeared to be listening to the buzz of conversation accompanied by clattering of spoons against plates as they ate. At least Clay now knew where Sam got his handsome features from but he didn't particularly find Troy Maxson fascinating. The only exchange Clay had with him was to pass the salt, and that was it.
Sam's sister Aria was different and jolly throughout, seated opposite Clay. She'd extended her hand for a handshake when he
