Page 132 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

132 | FRANCESCA P E NN

They all nod, and it finally sinks in that I am being a terrible hostess. I still have
them waiting on the porch. I step back and open the door wider. I am instantly
grateful that Henry and I are a pretty good team at keeping the house pristine.

“Please come in.” They filter in and wait in the foyer. “I’m Sanya. Please make
yourself at home. The guest bathroom is in the hallway past the family room on
the left.”

They don’t move; instead, they look at my expectantly. I’m not sure how the
Zidane family works. I just know that my family would have wandered off already.
I think over stranger-in-your-home etiquette.

“Would any of you care for something to eat or drink? It’s Henry’s week to
cook, so I haven’t really been in the kitchen. I’m sure I can inventory and figure
something out.”

Henry’s mom and sister smirk, and his dad frowns. I briefly start to wonder if
I will be talking to myself until Henry arrives. Henry’s dad flickers his eyes over my
body, taking in my appearance.

Realization of what I am wearing sinks in like terrible C-movie slow motion.
My black, spaghetti strap tank is skin tight and boasts two hard candies in red and
white wrappers over each braless nipple. One reads “lick” and other “suck.” My
shorts are red cotton knit with cute little penguins, but they stop just shy of my ass
cheeks it is not the proper thing to wear while greeting anyone’s family.

“I mean, we can raid the kitchen after I make myself presentable.” I pilfer off
and face palm myself when I’m out of sight.

“I didn’t know she’s black,” are the first words out of Henry’s dad’s mouth.

I close myself in my room. Grabbing my phone off the bed, I send Henry a few
texts. I’ll just dress very slowly and hope he shows up before I have to entertain
them any further.