Chapter 32

Lorraine was frowning, staring at Lei. She didn’t ask. She probably already knew.

Lei was leaning his hand on the chair, paler than ever. “They want me to be the baby’s godfather. Not in the Catholic way. Just, like, to have a ceremony or something. I don’t know.”

Lorraine briefly shut her eyes, clearly annoyed. “And she asked you in a room full of people?”

“All right, let’s go,” I said, taking charge.

“Yes, good idea.” Lorraine tossed her chin at the stairs. “Just make a quick exit. People will understand.”

From the couch, Lou was watching us. I waved at her and signaled that I was taking her brother home. She nodded, mouthing the words, “Thank you.”

“Come on.” I took Lei’s arm.

“I’m sorry…” Sheepishly, Lei looked at Karen, who’d been standing near. “Karen, I didn’t talk to you all night and I should have come to say he—”