I understood what Zeke was saying. Easily. Marie and Kaylee didn't have parents that were like his. They sounded controlling and strict. They had no problems scolding children that weren't theirs too.
"I didn't like them either."
Zeke laughed at my comment, surprising me. "You don't have to. You don't have to like everyone you come across, but you have to respect them because they're adults. That's what Dad taught us growing up."
"I don't think I disrespected them...but the mom wasn't happy when I didn't excuse myself from the table like you did." I looked down at my hands in my lap. Is that disrespectful?
"If Mom didn't scold you, then you're in the clear."
A sense of relief washed over me, and my shoulders relaxed. I didn't think I was so tense when leaving the dinner table, but I guess I was.
