I stood up at once. "That much? Why?"
"What do you know?" Dad put down his fork angrily. "In this family, I call the shots! You're my daughter! You've got to listen to me!"
Cyril quickly mediated, "It's fine. We can talk about it. Mr. Glover, calm down."
Dad snorted and didn't say anything.
I was still standing, feeling veins on my forehead popping out. I was so angry that my face turned red. How outrageous!
Cyril wanted to pull me, but Mom beat him to it. "Chelsea, I've got something to say to you. Let's go outside and get some fresh air."
I glanced at Cyril, and Mom patted me. "Let the men talk."
"What about Jane?"
"Not important. She'll go back to her room after finishing eating."
Then Mom pulled me out.
I was still upset, but when I felt the wind outside, I calmed down.
"How long have you been dating Cyril?" mom asked.
"Seven years. We got together in college."
Mom frowned. "Why haven't you said anything?"
I opened my mouth, not knowing what to say.
Every time I wanted to share something with her, she always talked about Jane. She didn't care about what I wanted to say at all.
"Does Cyril have any ... colleagues or classmates to introduce to Jane?"