DINNER WAS awkward and quiet. And Lay wasn't back yet. I mean, if he was around, he would have probably found a way to persuade mom to let this go. Not like she would agree or anything.
Once mom got her mind on something, she carried it to the end. In a way, I could say I was like that. Well, maybe a little.
Austin's eyes roamed around, unimpressed. He seemed to have calmed down a bit now. He had surprised me though. I was expecting him to decline, come up with an excuse of some sort and then walk away like my mom hadn't just invited him for dinner. But instead, he stayed behind.
Mom and Raymond ate their dinner, completely oblivious to us. My fingers clutched around the hem of my shirt and then the edge of the table. I remained silent, thinking of what to say. Anything to say. I was co
