My knee is bouncing uncontrollably as we all sit down for dinner. Their anniversary party is tomorrow so we came home tonight to have this conversation in private. Monica is home as well but I’m unsure if it’s for moral support or to have a front row seat for the show. James and I are seated next to each other on one side of the table, Monica is on the other and my parents are on each end. The room is quiet, all of us knowing something that only my mother doesn’t but she picks up on it instantly.

“Why is everyone so quiet? I know my cooking isn’t that good.” She jokes before taking a sip of her chardonnay. I smile, because her cooking is that good and also because it might be the last time I smile tonight.

“The kids have something to talk to us about.” My dad says and he winces, my guess at his choice of words. “Well James and Gabrielle have something to say.” He leans back in his chair and motions towards us as if to say ‘well, out with it.’

Monica looks at me and gives me a small smile and a wink and I’m choosing to read it as ‘You got this. I’m with you.’”

“Mom, I hope what we’re about to share isn’t going to change how you see us.” I start and I can already feel the tears forming in the back of my throat. “I am sorry if this changes how you see me.”

“That could never happen, sweet girl.” She grabs my hand as I’m seated closest to her and gives it a squeeze. “Now tell Mama, what’s up.”

“So…” James picks up his glass of whiskey and takes a healthy sip. He holds it tightly in his grasp, twirling the ice around the glass. The sound of the ice clinking is the only sound to be heard except for maybe the pounding in my chest that I can hear in my ears. “Mom, Gabrielle and I are together,” he blurts out like he’s ripping off a Band-aid.

I squeeze my eyes shut, preparing for the worst when I don’t hear anything. I open one eye and look at my mother who’s staring at us with wide eyes.

“I’m sorry, I swear I’ve only had two of these.” She says pointing at her glass of wine. “What did you say?”

“I know how this sounds and—” James starts.

“Did you know about this?” She cuts him off and stares at my father.

“Are you serious? How is that your first question? And why am I the one getting heat for this?” He asks. “Monica knew too.” He points at her and her head snaps towards him.

“DAD!”