"Dad's embarrassing me already," I said to my mom, back in the kitchen.
"He's just having fun. Maybe he's a bit nervous, TheSterlings are very interesting people/'
I placed the rolls, butter, pasta, sauce, and salad on the table in record time.
"Dinner's on," my mom hollered as if she were Mrs. Walton ringing a dinner bell.
Alexander and I sat on one side and theSterlings on the other, while my parents were at the head of the table. Our dining-room table was a third of the size of Alexander's. We all were in arm's reach of one another,
I noticed my mom staring at the wounds onMrs - Sterling's neck, Mrs. Sterling must have sensed it, too as she turned to my mom.
"Just a small bite I received last night, Don't worry- it's not contagious."
"I didn't mean to-," my mom said apologetically,
"I thought it was a tattoo," my dad said, and we all laughed.
I caught my reflection in the glass curio cabinet. I couldn't help notice the lack of our company's shadows.
I knew my parents were now distracted with conversation, but once the wine flowed and thecarb coma hit-it might be more obvious.
"Excuse me," I said,
I dimmed the lights so the glare wasn't so noticeable,
"Good idea. This is much cozier," my mom complimented me,
"I hope pasta is okay," I whispered to Alexander,
'This dinner looks delicious," Mrs. Sterling said.
"Thank you," my mom replied. "I bet you are glad to be settled here."
"Well, we will be off again soon," Mrs. Sterling said.
"Really?" my dad said curiously, "You travel a lot."
"We're going back toRomania ," Alexander's dad stated.
"So soon?You just got here," my mom noted,
"For business or pleasure?" my father wondered.
"Both," Mr. Sterling answered.
"Alexander has told us that you are an art dealer," my dad said. "What is your specialty?"
"Whateversells. "
We all laughed at his honesty.
"I have several galleries and showcase up-and-coming artists as well as the masters," he explained.
"Our country club is having an auction next month," my mom chimed in. "Mrs. Mitchell is organizing it. Have you met her? "
Alexander's parents shook their heads.
"They're auctioning paintings from professional artists," my dad said. "I'm sure you might find some wonderful additions to your collection."