The Thai food sat steaming on the coffee table, its spicy aroma filling the apartment. Xavier poked at the pad thai on his plate, his stomach already uncomfortably full from the ramen he'd had with Aurora. He forced himself to take another bite anyway, knowing his mother would notice if he didn't eat.
Across from him, Elaine and Calypso sat side by side, their initial tension seemingly forgotten as they shared spring rolls and conversation. Xavier watched them warily from his position in the armchair, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"So," Elaine said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin, "has Xavier told you about his childhood obsession with ducks?"
Xavier choked on his noodles. "Mom, no."
"Mom, yes," Elaine countered. "Calypso deserves to know what she's gotten herself into with this arrangement."
Calypso leaned forward. "Ducks? Do tell."