Mrs. Logan dropped a kiss on Ryan’s head as she passed by us and into the kitchen. “I know who had the idea and who prodded the other one into helping.”
“It’s like she has hidden cameras in here,” Ryan admitted.
“Aren’t you two going to get ready for your dinner out with Katya’s mom?” Mrs. Logan called from the kitchen.
I groaned. “If I had any of their numbers, I would have texted to cancel. I should have told them that the week after a season ends is my relaxation time. I don’t want it interrupted by crazy family drama.”
Mrs. Logan walked back toward us and leaned on the doorway that divided the kitchen and living room.
“I know you’ve never been close with your mother,” she said softly. “But maybe you should give her a chance.”
“I’ve never met my mother before,” I said sharply. “Because she abandoned me in the hospital after giving birth.”
“There are always two sides to every story,” she suggested. “Just hear her out before you make a final decision.”
I scowled because I knew she was right, but I still didn’t want to admit it. Ryan and I had another thirty minutes before the car would arrive, and we were both still in sweats. I had already showered earlier today, and I had left my hair to dry in natural waves in preparation for tonight. However, the thought of having to dress up for a woman that I despised was infuriating. My leg bounced as I sat, and it was torture to stay sitting here and not head to the studio.
“Do you know what you’re going to wear?” Mrs. Logan prompted me.
“I have a dress that I wear when we have to go to alumni events and stuff,” I said sullenly. “And Ry is going to wear his suit.”
“You had better get to it,” Mrs. Logan suggested.
I huffed and got to my feet. “Sucks to be a girl,” Ryan smirked. “I’ll just sit here and finish this episode.”
I stole the remote and hit the pause button. “Not without me,” I called over my shoulder as I left the room. I heard Ryan groan in response, but he didn’t follow after me to try and get the remote back.
Chapter 7
Katya
If it had been six months ago, Ryan and I being picked up in a town car and chauffeured to a fancy restaurant would have been exciting. But when a snooty maître d’ greeted us at the entrance, I only felt dread in the pit of my stomach. He led us through the crowded restaurant and to a private room that was hidden in the back.
Tonight was one of those times that I wished I could just fast forward through. If Ryan hadn’t been holding onto my arm, I probably would’ve hidden in the bathroom for a while to delay the inevitable.
I was grateful to have Ryan’s steady presence at my side. Facing Richard, Nina, Maverik, and Kingston by myself would have been too overwhelming. It helped to know that I had an ally by my side when things started to go wrong. Because they would – it was a sure thing.
Relief flooded through me when I only saw Richard and Nina sitting at the table waiting for us - the two evil boys were nowhere in sight. Richard stood to greet us as we approached, and Ryan pulled out my chair like the perfect gentleman.
“The boys are going to be here in a few minutes,” Richard assured us with a tight smile.
Nina shot him a doubtful look, but Richard leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile.
“I texted them a few minutes ago,” he informed us. “I let them know that if they weren’t here within thirty minutes, I would cut off their credit cards and disable their phone service for the summer.”
Ryan and I glanced at each other in apprehension. Those two pricks were not going to be happy once they got here, and if our last meeting was them on their best behavior…well, we were in for an eventful evening. I hoped Ryan was right, and wine would be a part of dinner tonight.
There was an awkward silence at the table. What do you say after your absentee mother’s ‘companion’ just admitted to having to threaten his children to force them to come to dinner with you? I would have preferred that the two guys be left to their own devices – whatever that might be.
I took a sip of my water and stared down at the table. I hadn’t been on my game last time because they had ambushed me, but I wasn’t going to let a couple of boys push me around tonight. I’d be polite to Richard, because he seemed like a good guy. But the others? They could go fuck themselves.
Nina held up her hand to display her flashy ring. “Should we tell them the news?”
Richard sighed. “I’m sure they’ve already guessed by now.”
“Richard and I are getting married!” Nina squealed.
Ryan and I murmured our congratulations, but Richard didn’t look nearly as excited as Nina did.
“I’d appreciate it if you would keep the news quiet for now,” Richard said as he looked at both Ryan and me. “We’re waiting for the right time to make an announcement.”
“Should she be wearing the ring out in public?” I asked as I pointed toward the obvious engagement ring. I didn’t care if I
