False Gods: The Show Jumper's Challenge

Cory watched her mom’s focused concentration on her plate as she cut up the turkey slice into ridiculously tiny pieces. She didn’t answer.

“It’s Massachusetts College of Art, in Boston. A very good school,” Livia answered for her, then turned to her sister. “Roni, I’m surprised you haven’t encouraged the girls to pursue art, since you were so good.”

“I still am, Liv. I’m not dead yet.”

Aunt Livia laughed. “Of course, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that you didn’t keep up with it. You know, you quit school and let the scholarship go, and then you married Robert . . .” Livia’s voice trailed away as if to say, well that explains it all and I don’t need to say more on that topic.

Roni reached for an overly full wine glass, nearly slopping it onto the white tablecloth. She held the glass aloft in a shaky hand. “Here’s to lives carefully planned and executed with no messy detours along the way.” She took an enormous swallow, leaving a crescent of lipstick on the rim, and turned back to pushing food around her plate.

Douglas shifted his long legs under his chair and cleared his throat. “Yes, what is it Woody Allen always quipped? Something like, ‘Life is mostly plan B.’” He smiled at Roni and Livia for approval. His peace offering.

Kevyn complimented the food and asked for more of something—Cory wasn’t really paying attention but was grateful for his efforts. Another larger sip of wine. She still was hearing the word quit as it dripped off Olivia’s carefully outlined lips, past her bleached white teeth. She watched it fly through the air like a carving knife to lodge in the middle of her mother’s chest. She knew how that quitter word hurt. She also figured her mom must have been saving up all of those knives thrown at her, pulled from her own heart, only so she could toss them back at Cory. Roni said nothing to Aunt Livia but reached across the table to slide the wine carafe closer.