Brian's hands clenched into fists underneath the table, and he glared with disdain at Laura. The tension in the air surrounding the table was so thick it was nearly tangible. Brian opened his mouth to say something but Mallory quickly rushed ahead.
"Anyway," she said in an exaggeratedly happy voice, hoping to smooth over the situation as best she could. She was regretting bringing Brian more and more; though it wasn't like he would have stayed at home, anyway. All she wanted was to have a good birthday dinner - was that really too much to ask?
Glancing quickly at Brian, she placed her hand on his knee and squeezed it gently. Calm down, she told him telepathically. Please?