“Wait, I’m not even done!” LeDeya protested. “They’re hiring financial managers in New York and Singapore. You get a discounted apartment, top salary, great benefits, and other perks,” she read. “For questions, call Pamela, assistant to David Bradley.”

“Oh no, Janae.” Liza saw the fire ignite in Janae’s eyes and immediately tried to stamp it out.

“Liza . . .” Janae’s eyebrows rose. “Don’t let this be like the time you forced us all to go vegetarian.”

“The worst three months of my life,” LeDeya howled.

Maurice held his stomach. “You watched one documentary and put us all through hell!”

“Maurice, you got over that chubby phase because of me! How dare you.” Liza crossed her arms. “Janae, how would it look if you were working for Babylon?”

“Liza, I just want a proper job, not embarrassing guest appearances for two hundred dollars here and there.”

Maurice leaned on the table. “Why does my sister have to be held hostage by your moral code? You want her to starve for your beliefs?”

“No, Maurice, I agree with Liza,” Janae said. “We’re all still in Granny’s house because we couldn’t afford rent, and the Bradleys of the world aren’t making it any better. I’ve just had this long gap in employment since”—she exhaled—“since the baby, and I want to flex my calculator again.” Everyone was silent. Janae never mentioned the baby. They all exchanged looks over the top of Janae’s head. So David had sparked some joy in her sister? Had he done what the family had been failing to do for three years?

“I say since you have ol’ boy on the hook . . .” Maurice pretended to throw out a fishing line.

LeDeya flopped around like Maurice had hooked her. “Reel him in.”

Liza shook her head. Yes, they were all Bev’s children. But the motivation had changed. So Liza swallowed her spectacular grandstanding speech and stepped up for Janae.

“I guess it’s time for you to earn your keep around here,” Liza teased. “I’m frankly tired of supporting you.” On cue, everyone erupted, knowing Janae had used her pageant money to help with what she could for all her siblings. Speaking ill of Janae was a great way to unify the family and get herself out of an argument.