"What do you mean you've made other plans?" His father didn't sound angry. He never did. Or warm. Not even cold. As usual, he was completely neutral about everything.
Charlie sighed. "It's not like you really care if I show up. You barely say a word to me when we have dinner."
"It's not polite to speak with your mouth full."
"It's also not polite to ignore your son when he's sitting across from you."
"Perhaps I have nothing to say." Which seemed doubtful. Charlie tried plenty to get his dad to talk. Freak. Do something other than give him that same old placating smile.
"Nothing at all? Really?"
His father paused a moment in thought, stroking his beard before saying, "Have a pleasant time at your dinner."
"Aren't you even going to ask where I'm going to eat?"
"No."