“Thank you,” Antonia says gently.
Savannah doesn’t answer, just grunts under her breath. I open my mouth to scold her, but my sister-in-law catches my eye and shakes her head.
“Can you pass the potatoes, please?” Oliver says to Savannah.
She grabs the dish and half-throws it across the table.
“Attitude,” he mutters.
Amy snorts.
Ivan leans toward me. “Teenagers, eh?”
“I’m not a teenager,” Savannah snaps, more annoyed than the situation really deserves.
Antonia sits quietly, watching the debate. Amy starts chattering about work, business, life or anything else that pops into her head. Ivan nods along, throwing in the occasional comment to keep her talking.
The rest of us fall silent. A storm is brewing, but I don’t know when the lightning will strike.
Eventually, Savannah places her fork and knife down. “Dad.”
The single word cuts through the room.
“Of all the days to bring your new girlfriend home… you chose this one?”
No one speaks. Everyone just sits there, staring at their plates.
I look at my daughter.
I can’t believe she’s doing this. Here. Now. Not today.
“This isn’t the right time, Savannah.”
Antonia freezes. Her eyes widen as she looks between us all, confusion flickering across her face.
“Did I miss something?” she asks quietly.
Liam swallows. He looks up from his hands, his fingers twisting together as Oliver stabs one of his potatoes to death.
Liam’s gaze moves slowly to Antonia. “Today’s March fourth.”
She looks perplexed. He clears his throat.
“It’s the anniversary of Mum’s death.”