My Sister's Cure Was Always My Man novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: Sunday at the Rainiers

Bianca did not move into my apartment.

Caleb stood in my doorway the next morning with his arms crossed and told my mother no, in the plain voice he uses when a thing is not negotiable.

Mom said she would see us on Sunday, then.

I did not know what she meant until we arrived at the Rainiers' house for dinner and found the Garritys' car already in the drive.

Caleb's father opened the door.

He was tall and gentle and retired, a physician for forty years, with a cardigan and a limp.

"Your mother and sister are in the dining room," he said to me. "They said they were expected."

"They weren't."

"I assumed. They are being served coffee."

I walked in with Caleb's hand in mine.

Mom and Bianca sat at the long table beside Caleb's mother, who sat with her hands folded and said nothing.

Dad stood against the wall with his hat in his hands.

Bianca had a fresh bandage and a pink dress.

"I came to apologize," she said, as soon as she saw us. Her voice was small and sweet. "I've been thinking all week. I want to start over with everyone."

Caleb's mother said nothing.

"I know I scared people," Bianca said. "I'm doing better. I wanted to be near family. Josie, would you sit by me?"

I sat down on Caleb's other side, across from her.

Mom beamed at the room.

"See? She's a different girl."

We had soup.

It was a long, polite meal.

Bianca asked after Caleb's work. She admired the silver. She laughed at a story his father told.

She never once looked at Caleb.

I kept waiting.

She was reaching for the bread when it happened.

Her hand stopped in the air.

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