her at the park a week back. She seemed to be struggling so I’m glad she’s found work here,” he said, deciding that was more than enough information for the group.
An awkward silence fell over the table.
“So,” Angel began, “Emma, how is the event coming along?”
“Good.” Emma nodded.
“Well, Edward and I are all signed up. We can’t wait. If you need help with anything, just let me know. I’d be more than happy to lend a hand, you know.”
“I think everything is pretty much covered,” Emma said.
Jack noticed Angel’s demeanor deflate just a touch. His turn. “Mr. St. James, how’s real estate these days?”
Edward gave him a long, hard stare before responding. “The market is good. I sold three houses this week.”
“Wow. Congratulations,” Jack said. “That’s a good week.”
“I’ve had better,” Edward said. “And how is your work?” he asked.
“The summer months keep me busy. All of the events are great to bring people to the park, but the more people that flow in, the more I need to patrol and monitor what’s going on. I’ve already had a few injured hikers this season and a bit of illegal activity.”
As if on cue, Diana stepped back up to the table with four drinks. “Your food will be out shortly,” she promised.
“Diana?” Edward said, stopping her before she walked away. “I don’t get together with my family too often so this is kind of special.” His gaze slid to Jack for a steely moment and then back to Diana. “I’d like to order a bottle of wine. Whatever you recommend to complement our meal,” he said. “Wine and four glasses, please.”
Chapter Twenty
Emma had barely tasted a bite of her filet mignon. She was too preoccupied with the tension around the dinner table. There was also the tall bottle of red wine at the table’s center. A wineglass sat in front of all four diners, although hers and Jack’s hadn’t been touched since her father had poured a deep serving.
She really wanted a sip to take the edge off, but if Jack wasn’t drinking, which she understood, then neither was she. She was mortified actually that her father would order the wine. It was almost as if he was daring Jack to drink. Or not drink. She wasn’t sure what her father wanted, but he was definitely testing Jack.
Jack was proving something tonight too. And Emma knew that Angel was doing the same. Ever since she’d come into Emma’s father’s life, Angel had been trying to prove that she belonged. And Emma, despite knowing that it was wrong, was trying to prove that she didn’t.
Emma took another bite of her beef, tasting nothing.
“Why aren’t you drinking your wine?” Angel finally asked Emma. “It’s your favorite, if I remember correctly.”
“I’m just…I guess I’m not in the mood.”
“Are you sick?” Angel asked. Then her eyes widened. “Are you…?”
Emma’s heart soared up into her throat. “No. No, I’m not…” Was her stepmom really asking if she was pregnant at the dinner table in front of her dad? As if to prove another point, Emma reached for her glass and took a healthy gulp. “See?” The wine tasted good. Bitter and sweet. She took another sip, this time because she wanted it.
Her father looked at Jack. “Your turn,” he said.
“I’ll pass, sir.” Jack stabbed at a piece of beef. He popped it into his mouth and chewed, looking back up at Emma’s dad, the two of them having a stare-down.
“Come on, Jack,” Edward said, “you must enjoy having a glass of wine at dinner.”
“Dad,” Emma cut in, “he said he didn’t want any. Leave him alone.”
Her father ignored her and continued to watch Jack. “It’s a good wine. Not even a taste?”
Jack set his fork down. Then he reached for his wineglass, wrapping his fingers around it. His grip seemed to increase, until Emma wondered if the glass might shatter. Then Jack lifted the glass off the table and brought it to his mouth, where he held it just under his nose. He breathed in deeply. “It smells good, sir. I’ve always loved the smell of a good wine. But I don’t want to taste it.” He set the glass back down. “I gave up wine and beer and every other form of alcohol. I don’t need it.”
Emma looked at her dad. She knew when he was deep in thought. She could practically see the wheels turning in his mind. Why was he challenging Jack this way? If her father knew that Jack struggled with alcohol