CHAPTER FORTY SIX – ERIC’S RACIST FAMILY

One week after the successful meeting with Karina's family, it was Eric's turn to introduce her to his relatives. He seemed uncharacteristically nervous as they pulled up to the stately home in an affluent suburb. "Just a fair warning - my family can be a bit...intense," Eric said with an uneasy laugh as they stepped out of the car. "Don't take anything too personally, okay?" Karina waved off his concern. "Please, after the circus that is my family? I'm sure it'll be a breeze in comparison." If only she had heeded Eric's apprehension as a legitimate warning. From the moment they stepped through the door, a chill seemed to permeate the elegantly appointed foyer. Eric's mother, Stephanie, a willowy woman with an air of frostiness, descended upon them instantly. Her cool gaze swept dismissively over Karina. "Eric, darling. I see you did remember where we live after all," she intoned in a practiced monotone of disinterest. "And you've brought...someone." Karina felt her smile falter