Nothing Between Us (Revised Edition)

Chapter One

Sometimes I wish I could get out of dinner with Dad, just to avoid having to see my younger half-siblings, and ex-stepmothers. We don't get along and it's hard to say if we ever will. However, I am not the eldest of my father's children. He has a son from his marriage before my mom. But Brian is four years older and doesn't want anything to do with Dad. His mother doesn't force him to see Dad now that he's over eighteen.

As my mother's only child, and I don't blame her, I am obligated to represent her. I know she still loves Dad and would probably take him back if he asked, but that is not happening any time soon. He's due for a new relationship, and that's probably what tonight's dinner talk is about because all the mothers are present. When Dad introduced Katrina, it was a similar situation.

"Put the book away, Izzy," Mom says as she enters the living room and finds me on the couch. "You can pick it back up tomorrow. Tonight is important to your dad."

"All dinners involving a conversation about Dad's marriages are important," I grunt, turning the page of The Rosie Project. "It's a pattern, Mom. I might not have been old enough to remember the Janine wedding, but I remember Katrina's. I believe she was already expecting Derek by that time... I don't think he will care much if I don't want to learn the name of someone new."

"Honey, I know it's hard to watch your father with someone new-"

I sigh and set the book aside to give full eye contact. "It's not just that, Mom. I was here through both divorces, and yours- even if I wasn't old enough to remember much. I don't think I can handle going through another one."

Mom frowns, but I can see the understanding in her eyes.

"Deb, can you help me in the kitchen!"

Dad's most recent ex-wife, Katrina, enters with oven mitts on her hands and apron around her waist. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a tight bun, but frizz makes it look like she has been mildly electrocuted. Her bold, red lip suggests she is trying to win Dad back, or maybe she wants him to see that she's thriving. I wouldn't know, I don't visit her house.

I don't know how my mom can stand to actually be friends with the woman, let alone with Janine. But I have learned that Mom is the kind of person who is extremely forgiving and, whether it is good or bad, she is a people pleaser. It is very hard for her to say "No."

"I'll be right there," Mom says, putting on a smile.

Katrina nods, but she doesn't leave; catching hints is not one of her strengths.

"I just need my mom for a couple more minutes, Trina," I say as politely as I can. "I'll send her straight to you, A-S-A-P."

She sighs, tilting her head to the side and frowning as if someone is hurting a puppy. And then she nods, walking back the way she came. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, because I have to remember she has two sets of twins under the age of eight and she is still getting through divorce aftermath.

"Everything will be okay," Mom says, giving me thumbs up before disappearing into the other room. "And don't be afraid to talk to your father about this. He values your opinion."

I reach for my book again, turning back to my recent page, and allowing myself to be swept away.

***

It is very strange to have all four adults at one table. As usual, Dad sits at the head so he can see all our faces. Sitting to Dad's right, my left, is my thirteen-year-old half-sister, Allison; Janine's eldest daughter. Mom is across from me with Katrina to her left. And at the foot of the table, to my right, is Janine. I always assumed that seat belonged to my mother, but Janine staked her claim. I guess it makes her feel she holds rank somehow. The younger kids, the ones with some kind of dinner etiquette, sit at their own table. And the youngest of the youngest are still in highchairs.