Chapter 115

Jay closed his eyes, opened them after a few seconds to look directly at Dean, and mouthed, “All an act.” For some peculiar reason, his father thought the doddery performance would produce laughs and tie in with his speech, the draft of which Jay had seen and attempted to talk him out of.

“On behalf of us Reids, we first want to thank you for taking time out of busy schedules to join us today, and for those who’ve stayed overnight, we hope it’s been money we’ve well spent.”

A few titters ensued but as many confused glances were exchanged. His mother sat staring ahead, and not at her husband, with her arms crossed. April lifted a hand to her face as though to ward off a headache. Ouch! A good way to remind some that they’d paid for the entire event, but that most were excluded from an all-in paid-for room. Shouldn’t cause resentment but these things invariably did.