of you,” she said just loud enough for the nearby group to hear.
I didn’t hug her back.
“Didn’t know I was getting a welcome party,” I said.
Her smile tightened.
“Oh, it’s just a small thing. You know how your father likes to keep connection strong.”
Translation: this wasn’t for me.
Across the yard, Vance stood near the grill, laughing too loudly and networking like his career depended on it.
Beside him stood Chloe.
New dress.
Perfect hair.
Perfect makeup.
And an expensive designer watch on her wrist.
I
