I clear my throat and put my hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the dining table. She stiffens under my touch, but doesn’t utter a word of complaint. And I tell myself that’s what couples are supposed to do. That, and because I want to touch her.

Indigo and I laugh as my parents mutter something behind our backs. I drag a chair from under the table and she lowers herself onto it.

Olivia is already seated, too distracted to notice us with whatever she’s doing on her phone. When she sees us sit down, her nose raises from the device.

“Hi.” Liv jumps off her seat, throwing her arms around Indigo. We’re a family that loves hugs.

Come to think of it, I’ve never hugged Indigo before, but I guess it’s not been the right time. Trust me when I say that when you see the look in her eyes, hugging is the last thing you’d think of.

“Hi,” Indigo says, hugging Olivia back.

I can tell by the way Indigo is playing with the hem of her shirt as she sits down that she’s starting to feel nervous. Maybe that’s why I put my hand on her leg, squeezing it a little to comfort her.

Her breath hitches for a second, but when my mother speaks again, her body relaxes. My mother has a talent for making people feel comfortable.

“We’re really happy you’re here, Indigo.”

She nods, a shy smile forming on her lips.

“So,” Dad claps his hands together, “who wants to eat?”

Olivia and I raise our forks in the air, a thing we’ve done since we were little. Indigo watches us curiously, and I don’t know what pushes me to do it, but I put my hand on hers and grab the fork for her. She smiles as she raises it with us and Dad smiles back.

“When do you have to get back?” Mom asks, taking the seat opposite Indigo.

“Not until they need me back,” she says. I can’t believe how smoothly she answered. “And they rarely last a day without me,” she laughs, which makes my mom laugh too.

“I was thinking we could watch a movie tonight,” Olivia suggests, getting our attention.

Mom nods and smiles broadly, looking at both of us for a response. This is what I love about her. Obama could come to her house and she’d still make everything simple. She doesn’t try to impress anyone.

I gaze at Indigo to see what she thinks. Her eyes sparkle like a child’s. I nod my head in agreement as a reply for the both of us.