Love, Utley (Love Letters #1)

If I’d had food in my mouth, I probably would’ve choked.

“No, no. Eat up.” Mom takes a bite of her own like she’s making a point.

Chelsea gives me a look that says this is the guy you like? and I try to give her a look that says I didn’t invite him.

FORTY

MADDOX

“So, Maddox.” Ruth takes a sip of her water. “Are you single?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Never married?”

Hannah sighs loudly over her mother’s question but has stopped trying to intervene.

“Never married,” I answer.

“Ever engaged?” Ruth keeps going.

“Nope.” Honestly, I’ve never even considered ring shopping for anyone before.

“Why not?” Ruth pops a piece of tofu into her mouth.

“Grandma, if you like him, then you shouldn’t want him marrying Aunt Hannah.” The girl across the table holds a piece of chicken expertly between her chopsticks, obviously picking up on her grandma’s intention.

“Why’s that?” I ask the girl, curious.

She levels her gaze on me. “Because if you did, you’d get the curse.”

Hannah coughs, and I don’t know if it’s to cover a laugh or a gasp.

I study the kid. “What’s the curse?”

She shrugs. “Nothing big. Just that everyone who loves us dies.”

I think my mouth drops open.

The fuck did she just say?

A pea flies through the air and bounces off Chelsea’s cheek. “No talk of curses on my birthday. Birthdays are immune.”

Chelsea wipes her napkin across her cheek, then goes back to eating.

I clear my throat and turn my head to look at Hannah.

Everyone who loves us dies.

Jesus fucking Christ.

Hannah’s lips are pressed together. She’s definitely trying not to laugh.

How the hell is that funny?

Hannah dips another wonton into the container of sweet-and-sour sauce, casual as ever.

I think about the house.