I clear my throat.“I’m notthatguy.”
"Well, you were a guy that looks a lot like him last night,” Connor comments, lifting his own glass."And it seems like it's messing with your head."
"My head is fine."
"Your head is in Alder Ridge," Alex corrects."With a red-headed innkeeper who apparently kisses like she's trying to steal souls."
"She doesn't—I never said that."
"You didn't have to.Your face says it all."
My phone buzzes before I can respond.
My grandmother Beatrice Sterling’s name flashes on the screen.
And I briefly consider throwing myself through the window.
"Don't answer that," Connor advises.
Rolling my eyes, I answer it anyway.Because I'm apparently a masochist."Hello, Nana."
"Lukas!Perfect timing.I need you to pick me up at six tonight."
No ‘hello.’No ‘how are you’.
Just straight to the point.Just like Nana.
I sigh.
"Tonight?"I flip through my mental calendar.“I don’t know about tonight, Nana.I have a meeting?—"
"The Seattle Children’s Hospital foundation gala.You promised."
"I absolutely did not promise?—"
"Three months ago.I have it in writing."
She doesn't, but arguing with Beatrice Sterling is like arguing with gravity.
Pointless and exhausting.
"Nana—"
"Six o'clock sharp.Wear the navy tuxedo.It brings out your eyes."She pauses."And bring that lovely innkeeper."
"How do you?—"
"Mira Patel has a very active Instagram, darling.Six o'clock!"
She hangs up before I can protest, leaving me staring at my phone like it might apologize for what just happened.
"Let me guess," Grayson says."Nana Sterling strikes again?"
“Children’s hospital gala.Tonight.Apparently, I promised."I run a hand through my hair, already calculating the damage."I'm supposed to meet with Sage about the system updates."
"So bring Sage to the gala," Connor suggests, like it's simple."Kill two birds."
"I can't bring her to a society gala.We're business partners."
