This was the part she’d been dreading. Lauren knew her dad was proud of her work, often bragged about it, but since the biography was of this particular person, she was certain that he’d raise the roof the minute she spoke his name. “John Giampalo.”

He appeared puzzled. “Never heard of the guy.”

She looked at her mom. Of course, he knew who he was. They’d discussed him on more than one occasion. Lauren would swear that he’d totally lost his memory, or that he knew exactly who she referred to and wasn’t letting on that he did.

“Dad, are you sure?” she asked a second time. Maybe there was something to his forgetfulness?

“I’m sure. Who is he?” he asked.

“Dad, we’ve talked about Globalgoods.com before. I distinctly remember our conversations. You know, the Internet? Online sales?”

She saw a slight change in his facial expression. His mouth turned down at the corners, and his eyes squinted ever so slightly.

“Nope, I don’t know the guy,” he persisted.

“Mother? Do you remember us talking about this?” She turned to her because Lauren knew for a fact her mother knew exactly who John Giampalo was. Earlier, they’d discussed how much her dad disliked what Globalgoods.com represented.

“I do,” she answered.

“That’s it?” Lauren asked, aggravated at both her parents. “You and I discussed this, you said you would wait and let me tell Dad.”

“Yes, I did,” her mother agreed.

“And we talked about Dad’s lack of enthusiasm on the topic, or did I imagine that?”

“We did, and no, you did not imagine anything.”

“Dad? Would you please speak for yourself?” Lauren huffed. “This is beyond childish.”

“I think your mother is doing a fine job speaking for me.”

Lauren gave her mom the evil eye. “Mother, what is going on? Or isn’t?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, dear. We’re having coffee and dessert.” She lifted her cup in front of her lips.

“I can see that.” Lauren knew she’d have to take control of the conversation; otherwise, the three of them could banter back and forth all night.

“Dad, you know the World Wide Web? The Internet? Online shopping? You are aware of what this is, right?” She shot out the questions with more force than normal.

“Of course, I do. I’m not senile,” he answered.

Lauren questioned that at this very moment but went on. “The guy who started online shopping, John Giampalo, he wants me to write his biography. And I said yes.”

He stared at her but didn’t say a word.

He knew exactly who she was referring to. This was the stubborn side of her father showing, and thankfully, he didn’t let it appear too often.

But she was as stubborn as he was, and she could return the stare as long as he dared, knowing now that this was a battle of wills. “I know you know who he is. And for the record, I think you’re acting ridiculous. You too, Mother. If you don’t want to discuss it, fine. I’m going to bed. Someone has to run Razzle Dazzle, despite the dwindling sales. If you two will excuse me, I’m calling it a night.” Lauren dumped her half-eaten slice of pie into the garbage disposal, rinsed the plate off, and put it in the dishwasher. She felt their stares but was not going to give in. Her parents were dolls, but sometimes they acted like dolts. It was one of those times.