Chapter 20
Val
JH
Fran invited us to lunch, and your dad agreed. Don’t die from shock when you see us after church.
“What did you do?” I whisper in Fran’s ear.
She glances at my phone, then smirks. “I’m helping you out,” she murmurs.
“Are you?” Because I feel like someone just read my diary out loud to every single family member in existence.
Are you there, God? It’s me, Val, the middle sister who is always trying to avoid her sisters’ shenanigans. Why on earth would Dad agree with the invitation? Why did Jabari accept? Help!
“Calm down.” Fran leans close. “You look all panicky.”
“Yes, that’s exactly how I feel.” Can I get a paper bag and some time alone to properly spiral?
My parents used to say I was the melodramatic child.
The one who threw herself to the floor if Jackie touched me or cried hysterically if Fran took my toys.
Mom says when I hit six years old it was like they got a new child.
Suddenly I stopped crying, and I no longer slammed my door when ignored. I simply stopped reacting.
Right now, I very much want to react. I want to do something drastic, like when Susan gets the idea to switch places with Sharon in The Parent Trap.
I’m talking the OG version, not the Lindsay Lohan remake.
I want to shred a napkin to bits while my mind comes up with every single possible scenario for how lunch will go down.
Will everyone find out we’re friends? Will Jackie ever speak to me again?
Will Mom show up and add to the drama brewing already and fight with my stepmom?
Why does life have to be so complicated?
The worship team starts a new song, one that always tugs at my heart and puts my focus back on the Lord. I open my mouth to sing “Gratitude” with the other congregant members and try to keep from having an inward melodramatic fit.
Peace floods through my entire being as my mind settles, as my heart bows before the Lord.
This. This is exactly why I love coming to church—the communal worship, knowing everyone in this room is lifting their hearts to the Lord alongside me.
Whatever drama we walked in with no longer matters.
If only I knew how to keep this same thought process throughout my week.
The moment the song ends, and everyone sits, I see Jabari’s form.
I’m not sure how my eyes lock onto him so easily, but when the woman beside him turns and scans behind her, I’m able to confirm it’s him.
Ms. Hall catches my eye. She looks like she wants to acknowledge me, but Jabari must have told her what’s what because she simply faces forward once more.
“Oh, this is going to be a fantastic lunch,” Fran whispers.
“I don’t like you,” I respond.
“You will.”
I scoff.
Jackie turns around and stares at us. I can practically hear her say Quiet down you two.
Being the mature sister, I place my hand on Fran to keep her from sticking her tongue out.
It happens almost every Sunday. What I don’t account for is my own irritation, because my tongue darts out before my brain catches up with my actions.
My oldest sister’s eyes widen while Fran snickers beside me.
Dad turns around, eyebrows raised, and I adopt an innocent expression.
Fran clasps her hands around me, which probably makes us look even more suspicious.
Dad says nothing and nudges Jackie instead.
She squints her eyes at us before turning around.
The rest of the service goes by quickly as I take notes with Fran interjecting a quiet comment here or there. Before I’m ready—my mind is making that Steve Carrell panic face—we’re in the car and headed to the restaurant.
“Hey, babe,” Isaac says.
“Hmm?”
Fran and I exchange knowing glances. The other shoe is. About. To. Drop.
“So someone was invited to join us for lunch.”
She smirks. “Of course. Did Dad invite an athlete or government official?”
My whole body tenses, and Fran loops her pinky with mine.
“Uh, athlete.”
“Who?”
Is it bad that I’ve leaned back into my seat cushion, as if it’ll widen the blast radius between me and my older sister when she ultimately explodes?
My poor brother-in-law doesn’t know this particular brand of explosives.
Jackie probably hasn’t shown him her claws, though there were definite moments when she was pregnant with Ollie.
Isaac clears his throat. “Jabari Hall.”
Jackie laughs, and it sounds slightly unhinged. When she stops, she frowns at her husband. “Be serious.”
I look at Fran, who shrugs a shoulder as if to say Her reaction’s not that bad.
“I’m not joking.” He stops at a light, then gazes at her intently.
Her head whips around to glare at Fran and me. “Which one of you started this?”
“How could I do anything when I was in the bathroom with you and Ollie?” I throw my hands up.
“Thanks a lot,” Fran murmurs. “I invited him.”
“Why on earth would you do that? You do remember what he did, right?”
I stare at my sister, willing my lips to part and the truth to escape. Except my throat is locked up tight while my palms grow damp.
“I’ve never seen him in church before. Aren’t you curious to find out if he’s different?” Fran asks.
“No!”
I bite my lip to keep the laughter lodged inside. Jackie almost sounds like Ollie when he doesn’t get his way. In fact, he parrots her words in the row behind Fran and me. One glance over my shoulder has him grinning at me. I return the smile. I love that little man.
“I think it’s interesting that in a matter of weeks Val gets set up on a blind date, then he appears at church.”
This is my cue. Fran’s delivering me the perfect opportunity to speak. “I—”
“I don’t care why he’s popping up like Waldo. I’d rather not find him in the crowd.”
I bet she doesn’t. Suddenly, courage bolsters me. “I invited him to church.”
Jackie gasps. Isaac slams on the brakes. And Fran squeezes my hand.
“You did what?” Jackie blinks. “When? Why?” She throws her hands in the air. “I don’t understand what is happening.”
“Babe—”
She waves a hand at Isaac. “Shush.” She points a finger at me, fully twisting in her seat to stare me down. “What did you do?”
“Maybe we should talk about this later.” I motion to the valet waiting for us to exit the vehicle.
“I don’t think so. Bathroom. Now.”
“I don’t wanna,” Ollie whines from the back.
“Not you, sweetie. Mommy’s gonna take Auntie Fran and Val.”
He giggles as if the notion of adults needing a bathroom break is absurd. It really is. Part of me wants to yell You’re not my mom, but that won’t stop this train from derailing.
Jackie stalks toward the restrooms, Fran and I following at a slower pace.
“You’re doing great,” Fran says.
“I think I’m going to puke.”
“Nope. Save that for later.”
“She’s never going to speak to me again.”
“Sure, she will. She always pouts, then forgives.”
“Pretty sure I saw smoke coming out of her ears. That’s not pouting.”
Fran laughs. “I’ve seen worse.” She pulls open the bathroom door, revealing Jackie pacing inside.
Jackie whirls, coming to stand inches from me. “Why did you invite him to church? Was it random? Did you run into him?”
“Maybe stop asking so many questions so Val can speak.” Fran stares pointedly at our big sister.
“Fine.” Jackie glares. “I’m all ears.” She places her hands on her hips.
“Jabari and I have become friends.”
She rears back like I’ve slapped her.
“He needed a friend because of something he’s going through. And the more we talked, the more I got the sense he needs Jesus too. So I invited him to church.” We need to be at the table soon, so the short version will have to suffice.
Jackie just stares at me.
“You okay?” Fran asks.
And the question is enough to snap Jackie out of whatever kind of stupor she’s in. She straightens her spine and stomps right out of the restroom.
“That went well, don’t you think?” Fran studies me.
“How am I supposed to eat after this?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll be here.”
As much as I’m annoyed with Fran for orchestrating this, I can’t deny the feeling of relief now that Jackie knows.
We leave the restroom and soon find our family seated at a table along with Jabari and Ms. Hall.
The only two spots open are the ones right across from them.
Ms. Hall looks at me, and I give a slight nod.
Understanding crosses her face, then sympathy.
She squeezes Jabari’s elbow, and he leans down as she whispers in his ear.
His mouth drops, but then he straightens and looks directly my way.
I know he can’t see the expression on my face, but that doesn’t matter.
The fact that he’s trying to offer comfort across the table with awkwardness raining around us is enough to lift my spirit.
“So, Jabari, haven’t seen you in a long time.” Dad breaks the ice with the obvious. He’s taken the spot at the end, and we’re all watching him.
“It has been a while.”
“How’s life been treating you?”
I glance at Jabari. No way he’s going to share about his eyesight, right?
“It’s been better.”
“I’m sorry to hear about the concussion. Has it been slow healing?”
“It has.”
My throat tightens. He’s been through so much, and now he’s here for what? A family inquisition?
“Will you make a full recovery?”
“Respectfully, that’s not something I wish to talk about.”
“Right, right.” Dad clears his throat. “You remember my girls? Jackie, especially, don’t you?”
Jabari nods and scans the table. Did his mom tell him where everyone is sitting? I want to be the one next to him and letting him know there’s nothing to worry about. Yes, my family has been on Jackie’s side since they broke up, but honestly, I’m the one that matters right now. I believe Jabari.
So why haven’t you told him that? I need to remedy that soon.
“I do.”
“Jackie’s now married. Found a man who would never cheat on her.”
Wow, Dad. Way to go for the jugular.
“Uh, congrats?” He turns toward Jackie, so apparently he does know who’s sitting where.
“Mm,” she replies. She turns to throw a dagger my way.
If Dad sees, he says nothing. “How long are you visiting, Ms. Hall?”
“Oh, call me Paula. I’m staying for a week, then going back home. I have a job to return to.”
Dad looks surprised. “You work? I guess gone are the days when our children are willing to take care of us.”
Now it’s my turn to use eye daggers. What is wrong with Dad? Right. He’s operating on outdated information, which means I shouldn’t be too upset.
“Actually, Jabari bought my house. I don’t need to work, but idle hands are never a good thing, hence the part-time job.”
I grin at her, and she returns a small smile.
“It’s so interesting you agreed to lunch,” Jackie speaks.
My stomach clenches.
“I thought it was nice of Fran and your father to extend an invitation,” Jabari replies smoothly.
“Then it had nothing to do with wanting to chat with your friend more?”
Yep, she is fuming. I roll the fork in my hand, eyes fixed on Jabari. He doesn’t look tense, nor surprised by her comment.
“F-friend?” Dad sputters.
“She was a factor, yes.” Jabari wipes his mouth.
“Friend?” Dad echoes. Ann places a hand on his arm.
“Who are you talking about?” Isaac asks.
Ollie bangs his cup on the highchair. Too bad he’s three seats down and out of my range. I’d pick him up to look innocent.
“Apparently Val and Jabari have become friends.” A snide look crosses Jackie’s face. “Isn’t that sweet?”
Now everyone’s gaze is fastened to me. Jabari mouths, Sorry, as I work out the right words.
“What is your sister talking about?” Dad asks. “Why would you make friends with a cheater?”
I can literally feel the blood leaving my face, but it emboldens me.
I’m done playing the shrinking violet. Go big or go home, Val.
“Some people deserve a second chance. Especially when other information comes into play, and you realize what you’ve always believed might not be one hundred percent fact. ” I stare pointedly at Jackie.
Her face pales.
“Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Dad’s voice booms.
“Don, please.” Ann hushes him.
“I think I side with him.” Isaac hooks a thumb in Dad’s direction. “We’ve tiptoed around Jackie and Jabari, and now Val is friends with this playboy?”
“You do realize his mother is right there, right?” Fran says. “Let someone talk about my child like that, and I wouldn’t be as gracious as she’s being.”
Jackie snorts. “Like you have the maturity to raise a child.”
I wince. Direct hit. Nothing like a little sibling rivalry to bring out the battleships. Only I’ve been hit too many times today to come to Fran’s aid.
“Oh, and you were so mature when you had Ollie or when you dated Jabari?”
“You guys, people are starting to pay attention,” I interject. “It’s not a good look.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have kept things a secret,” Jackie snaps.
“Yeah, because I started it,” I volley back.
“Sounds like there are secrets all around, and we should do like Val suggests. We’ll continue this discussion at home.” Dad spreads out his hands like that’s the end of discussion.
“I have my own home.” Jackie throws down her napkin. “I won’t be treated like this nor summoned to get a lecture from you.”
I rub the center of my forehead. As soon as stuff doesn’t go her way, Jackie acts self-righteous. Every. Single. Time.
“Grow up, Jackie.”
The table freezes, and I realize the words fell from my lips. Crap. But I won’t take it back. She does need to grow up and own up to her own mistakes. Like lying about a supposed cheating boyfriend.
“It won’t kill you to go to Dad’s and discuss this privately,” I continue. In for a penny, and all that.
“So I can hear more excuses from you?”
I open my mouth, but Fran speaks.
“I’m pregnant.”
The table goes silent, and I close my eyes.