669. Personal Matters

"The ham," Jael repeated. "What about it?"

Mauve turned to face him at his question. She was still mortified by what she had just done, but it was certainly easier to look at Jael than anyone else. Everyone seemed to be waiting for an explanation to her outburst. She could tell from the silence, not even the sound of cutlery hitting the plates could be heard.

Mauve cleared her throat as she tried to gather herself to explain. "Remember when I said the food was off?" she mumbled slowly.

"Yeah," Jael said with a piercing stare that was filled more with confusion than annoyance.

"It's the ham," she said with a nod.

Jael frowned and looked at the piece on his plate. "The ham?" he asked. He lifted his gaze back to her. "I just ate it, I am sure there is nothing wrong with it."

Mauve grimaced. "What do you mean?" she asked with a judgmental look on her face. "It smells awful."

"No, it doesn't. Since when do you have issues with ham?" he asked.