“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Grant told me this was supposed to be funny.”
Sarah immediately pointed at him.
“Leave while you’re still ahead, Nate.”
Jason laughed unexpectedly.
Nate gave a small nod.
“Understood.”
Then he disappeared through the door.
For the first time all night, I laughed too.
Part 7 — Officer Trouble
Once the tension finally broke, the room changed.
Jason clapped his hands.
“Okay. Everybody nearly gave Mom a heart attack. Great teamwork. Can we feed her now?”
Mark started passing out plates.
Caleb turned on the food warmers.
Eliza appeared beside me with a glass of water as though I had just crossed a desert.
Sarah pulled out a chair.
“Sit down.”
“I’m capable of sitting by myself.”
“I know. Sit anyway.”
So I did.
Grant lowered himself into the chair beside me.
He still looked uncomfortable in his uniform, as if he hadn’t decided whether he deserved to enjoy the party after what he’d done.
I nudged his arm.
“Eat something, Officer Trouble.”
He looked at me cautiously.
Then smiled.
“Yes, ma’am.”
