“He’s um, fine?” I glanced at my mother, then took out a cookie, bit into it, and nodded to show my grandmother how much I liked it.

“You musta gotten those dark curls from his side of the family.” She patted my head.

“I guess.” From the corner of my eye, I saw my mother stiffen.

“You know, I only met him that one time at the wedding, but he seemed nice enough. Short, though. You small for your age?”

“Don’t be stupid, Mother! Do not answer that question, Jacqueline.” My mother threw daggers at me with her eyes.

“As I was saying,” Marva continued, her voice slightly rising, “I only met him the one time. I wanted to come when you were born, but I was not invited. I just don’t want you to have the impression that your Nana didn’t want to meet you.” From my place on the couch between Marva and my mother, I could feel the air beginning to pulse, hot and electric. I had to pee. The bathroom door was covered in daisy wallpaper, the portal toward a brighter, friendlier room.

“I need to—” I started.

“I guess I’m just not up to her standards,” Marva continued. “Your mama didn’t use to have such high standards.”

“Shut up, Mother.”

“Oh, I’m just making small talk is all.” Marva put finger quotes around the word small. “That’s a joke.” My grandmother winked at me. Reflexively, I winked back.

My mother yanked away the box of cookies I was holding.

“Why?”

“You’ve had plenty.”

“But—”

“Gather your things, Jacqueline.”

Her voice had taken on an all too familiar tone, low and vibrating like thunder. I counted the seconds, waiting for the lightning strike.

“Did I say something bad? Did I, Sugar Pop?” My grandmother’s eyes were wide.

“I-I don’t…”

“She doesn’t like Jewish people, Jacqueline.” My mother cut me off. “But she won’t come right out and say it.”

“What on earth? I never said—”

“No, Mom,” I jumped to my grandmother’s defense before remembering it would infuriate my mother, “all she said was—”

“Shut up, Jacqueline.” Merilee stood now, her body shaking. “You don’t know who you are dealing with. I could tell you tales that would curdle your milk.” She took a step toward Marva.

“Merilee,” Marva said, standing her ground. “That is enough now. Do you hear me? Enough.”