She looks at me, and I raise both hands.
“I said irritating,” I say.
“That’s worse.”
“It’s more accurate.”
Dad clears his throat, but he’s fighting a smile. “Everyone sit down before the food gets cold.”
We gather around the table, and for the first few minutes, we concentrate on food. Cartons pass from hand to hand. Mayhem takes enough crispy beef to feed three people, and Jade smacks his wrist with a serving spoon.
“Leave some for other people, you pig,” she says.
“I’m building strength.”
“For what?”
“Dessert.” He grins at her. “Later. At home. With you.”
“Ohhh,” Jade says pertly. “Well, in that case…” She deposits her own portion of beef to his plate. “Eat up, big guy.”
Willow watches them with an amused expression, then she turns to Jade. “This tofu is wonderful.”
“I wasn’t
