Another laugh. “Thank you. Have you talked to them lately?”

“This morning. The time difference works out well for my drive into work. I usually catch them before lunch.”

Juliet moves to the cabinet and pulls out a serving plate. “They’re enjoying themselves?”

“Mom was seasick the first day, but other than that, I’m a little worried they’ll move to a vineyard and I’ll be stuck with the cat forever.”

“I’m so glad they’re enjoying themselves.” Juliet smiles. “Everything is ready. Are you hungry?”

“Starved. The hospital cafeteria leaves a lot to be desired.”

Henry chuckles at that.

Crap.

As chief, he technically oversees the entire hospital’s operations, including the food served in the cafeteria and to patients.

“I mean—”

“I’m not your boss tonight, Evie.” He winks. “The catering service is something I’ve been meaning to bring up to the board anyway.”

“I’m hungry.” Gray shoves away from the island. “Dinner’s ready?”

Juliet immediately jumps into action. “Yes. You all head into the dining room. I’ll bring everything out in a minute.”

Gray leaves the kitchen without another word. I trail behind with Henry, who’s telling me about his garden. I’m close with Henry and Juliet. They’re like a second set of parents—have been since they moved in next door two decades ago. Unlike Gray, I came home for every break and holiday I could manage to after I left for college. Growing up didn’t sever the bond I have with them. In Henry’s case, it strengthened it. I basically followed in his footsteps.

I never thought that it might be uncomfortable to eat dinner in their dining room.

Never thought I might have sex with their son.

Gray appears indifferent as Henry and I join him at the table that could comfortably seat twelve. Henry is still talking about the begonias he planted out back. I nod along like I know anything about botany. Juliet appears with a big salad and a plate of fried chicken, and we all dig into dinner.

We cover all the small talk. Where my new apartment is. How the cat is doing. Who might have bought the Zimmermans’ house down the street.

Gray is silent through all of it, and I wonder how much of my invitation tonight was as a buffer. I knew they weren’t perfect, but I assumed the Phillipses were just as shiny and happy on the inside as they appeared from the outside. I’ve witnessed enough interactions between Henry and Gray to know their relationship is strained, but I didn’t fully realize the state of his disconnect with Juliet as well.