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Julie tilted her head to the side and slass of chardonnay"

"One chardonnay and…" I put a hand on the back of Bella’s neck "Another cab?" I picked up Bella’s elier"

I leaned down and kissed her forehead "I’ll be right back," I whispered in my best (fake) boyfriend voice It was an easy role for ood boyfriend The kind people weren’t afraid to bring home to mom

Five minutes later I returned to find that Bella and her sister were still the only two at the table Bella’s sister was giving Bella chapter and verse on some point of public health policy, while Bella listened with a half-interested gaze Maybe a rescue was in order

"So, are we going to dance?" I asked

"I’lass of wine

"Bella doesn’t like activities that you have to stand up for," her sister said

I actually choked on a sip of my wine Either Julie had just made a blatant attack on Bella’s character, or else she had no sense for innuendo

But Bella looked unfazed "Actually, Julie, upright fucking is pretty awesoainst a wall And I know Tucker likes it"

Her sister gasped "For one night can you not act like a crazy bitch? When will you stop?"

"When someone listens," Bella said, her voice flat

Whoa I practically had whiplash from the sudden turn this conversation had taken And then it changed again, because Mrs Hall returned to the table alone, a fresh glass of wine in her hand She sat down between her two daughters, seeers at each other