Chapter 6: Matt

I waited until everyone had a full plate, and then I put down my fork.

It was Wednesday, the roast was good, and my stepfather had just said grace in nine words.

The whole family sat around the long table, with the radio muttering weather from the windowsill.

My mother was at the foot, flushed and happy, passing the carrots.

Kasper had taken the seat on my left.

Eero was across from me, and Soren sat at the old man's right hand.

Ansel sat at the far end by the door, where he always sat, with his sleeves buttoned.

I had not looked at him once since I came down the stairs.

I could still feel his hands.

"I have something to tell you all," I said. "I should have said it at the wedding."

My mother's face lit up.

"I'm seeing someone. His name is Matt."

Nobody moved.

"His father runs the funeral home in Marshfield. We've been together eight months."

"A funeral director's boy," said my stepfather, from the head of the table.

It was the longest sentence I had heard from him all week.

"Steady trade," he added, and went back to his roast.

"Oh, Signe!" my mother said. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to wait until you were settled."

I felt like the lowest person alive, and I kept my eyes on the gravy boat.

I had not planned to lie to her.

I had planned to lie to four men.

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