Jenna’s mother directed everyone where to sit, and Mason was somewhat surprised to find he’d been granted a chair next to Jenna. Her mother was controlling. She could have seated him in some servants’ quarters and not batted an eye.
No one seemed interested in Mason. He’d been prepared for the third degree, figuring he would be answering hundreds of questions about himself and their relationship. Instead, Joann’s attention was directed solely at Jenna as though Mason weren’t in the room.
As a servant entered, complete with stereotypical black-and-white clothing, Joann set her sights on Jenna. “Are you done playing shop yet, dear?”
Mason stiffened. Playing shop? Was she referring to Ribbons and Bows?
“No, Mother. I’m not playing anything. This is my life. I work for a living. I own Ribbons and Bows. And it’s doing very well, thank you for asking.”
The woman most assuredly hadn’t asked anything of the sort. Mason fisted his hands under the table, hoping he was misreading this situation, while trying to keep his face neutral.
The silent woman in black and white set a plate of salad in front of each person at the table, cautiously ensuring she didn’t make a noise and wasn’t disruptive. Mason watched her for a moment, wondering if she endured the same sternness on a daily basis Jenna was experiencing now.
Joann reached for her glass and handed it to her husband, who filled it with chardonnay.
The woman took a drink and then set the glass down. “We need you home by the holidays, dear. That gives you less than a month to continue this farce. Am I clear?”
Jenna didn’t raise her voice, hesitate, or in any way flinch. “You’re always clear, Mother, but I’m not coming home.”
“Young lady, enough is enough. We have covered for your absence for two years. Our friends and relatives are growing suspicious of your disappearance. You will be home by Christmas.”
“Mother, if this is the only reason you’ve asked me to come for Sunday dinner, then Mason and I will leave now. If you’d like to enjoy my company and engage in any other conversation, I’ll be happy to oblige. However, I won’t sit here for three hours of a six course meal and argue with you about how I lead my life.”
Mason sat stunned. He was at once sad for Jenna’s situation and proud of the way she stood up for herself. He knew nothing about what her issues were, but it didn’t seem her mother was a woman to be reasoned with.
“Don’t speak to your mother that way, young lady.” Those were Patrick’s first words since they’d entered the dining room.
Jenna rolled her eyes in his direction. “You too, Dad? Can’t anyone in this family be reasonable for once? I’m not interested in the family business. I have a degree. I have a job. I’m making it on my own. I’m not returning home for any reason.”
“Jenna.” Mason squeezed her thigh with one hand. He had no idea what to follow up with, but he was torn about the impending argument about to erupt.
Jenna swiveled on him and slapped his hand away. “Don’t Jenna me.” She stood, tossed her napkin on the table, and stepped back.
Mason sat shocked. Frozen.
Joann set her fork down with a clank. “Sit down. I’m not done talking to you.”
Jenna set her hands on her hips. “Don’t you mean talking at me, Mother? No, I’m not moving back here. No, I’m not marrying some creeper named Charles to make you happy. And no, I’m not going to spend my life crocheting doilies to make you look extra wealthy. You can either accept that or let me go.”
Patrick stood now. “Sit down. Let’s be reasonable.”
“Reasonable? Okay, let’s. I’m a grown woman. Reasonable would be if you treated me as such and stopped harassing me to fit your preconceived mold.” Jenna pointed at her sister, who hadn’t spoken a single word the entire time and in fact was quietly eating her salad as though nothing untoward was occurring around her. “Clearly if you’re looking for a puppet, Jean is perfectly happy to fit the bill. You don’t need me.”
“That’s not true, Jenna, and you know it.” Patrick leaned on the table as he spoke. “Your mother gave birth to you, and that makes you an heir to the family business you cannot deny.”
“Only because you’re embarrassed for your friends and family to find out your oldest isn’t interested in the family business.” Jenna’s face turned pink, and her words weren’t as steady as they’d been in the beginning.
“One month, Jenna.” Joann picked up her fork and stabbed into a hunk of lettuce. She didn’t lift her gaze to her wayward daughter. “You’ll be here by Christmas or suffer the consequences. I’m done tiptoeing around you.”