“She died right after I was born. But Dad said she wanted to name me Jovie from the first minute she got pregnant. So I have a little something of my mom in my name.” She hitches a shoulder, digging around on her plate. “And my hair and eyes.”
I am acutely aware the tone has shifted around the table. Jovie doesn’t seem sad as she relays this story, but a solemness has settled in among the adults. I’d heard through the grapevine that Luke’s wife had passed away, but it hurts to listen his daughter talk about it first-hand.
My face must show the ache lancing through me. Beneath the table, Reed’s hand finds my knee and gently squeezes. That comfort shores me up long after he removes his hand again a moment later.
I shift to the side, letting my shoulder rest against his. Maybe he needs comfort, too.
“My name means joy,” Jovie tells me.
“And that’s exactly what you are. My little joy.” Luke’s gentle encouragement makes Jovie light up like she’s made of sunbeams.
The solemn moment over, the vibe at the table shifts.
“I heard rumors about a shakeup in the science department.” Lucy’s watching Graham. “Is it true?”
“It’s true. Edgar Velazquez is moving to Washington. His parents’ health issues have deteriorated to the point they need more care. It sounds like he’s moving this week.”
“And?” Lucy prompts.
He gives her a flat look. “Just how many rumors did you hear?”
“I have spies everywhere.” She motions for him to go on.
“They’re making me the science department chair.”
Congratulations go around, but that only seems to make Graham more uncomfortable. He shifts his glasses higher on his nose with his index finger. “I don’t know if I’m qualified for department chair, but they don’t have much choice.”
“Honey, you’re more capable than anyone.” Sara pats his hand. “Whatever comes, we know you’ll be able to handle it.”
A smile appears on his face, and he nods. “Thanks.”
This is real, then? Supportive, encouraging parents aren’t just a TV sitcom staple? The moment doesn’t seem out of the ordinary here, but I can’t imagine a “You’ve got this” from my parents. Not without detailed instructions of exactly what I’d need to do if I wanted to succeed.
“Rose, Reed tells us your parents have been doing a bit of traveling since they retired.” Sara’s soft voice pulls my attention back to her.
“A bit,” I say wryly. She doesn’t know about the uncharitable thoughts I was having about them just now. “They’ve been to seven countries in under two years.”
Her eyebrows lift. “They must have a lot of stories to tell.”
“They’re having a great time. They rent long-term and live like locals while they explore each new city.”
“Our aunt is on permanent vacation, too,” Lucy says. “Traveling the States in an RV, though. A little different.”
Russ laughs. “Janine’s learned more about solar panels and dump stations than she ever thought she would.”
“She blogs about everywhere she’s been,” Sara adds. “I think she’s trying to get her social media off the ground, too. Van life is a popular topic right now.”
“She should ask Reed for advice.” Nathan sends him a sly look across the table. “He knows a thing or two about going viral.”
Laughter moves around the room, including giggles from Jovie. Looks like everyone here has seen our video. Probably several times over.
“Is that still a thing?” the life-sized frown at my side asks.
“You didn’t see the one Irwin Outdoors did in response?” Nathan throws his head back, laughing with his whole chest.
Lucy’s laughing, too. “I want to meet whoever’s in charge of their account.”
Reed turns to me. “Have you seen this?”