Addison
ILED JAKE back into the ballroom and saw my mother speaking with one of Asher’s paralegals. My father was nowhere to be seen, but that didn’t surprise me. He often used these events to schmooze and find new business. My mother laughed (less fakey than normal) at something Tori said, and I sighed. Tori Smithers was a lovely woman, but she liked my parents, so she’d never be one of us.I didn’t see Dylan, so I made a beeline for my brother, bypassing my mom and Tori.
“Where’s Dylan?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I was just going to ask you the same thing.”
“I saw her headed to the restroom,” Tori provided, having joined us. “Hi, Addie.”
I smiled. “Hi, Tori. Sorry, I’m a little distracted tonight.”
She hugged me. “No worries.”
“Will you check on Dylan, please?” Asher asked.
“Yes, of course.”
“She was pretty upset,” Tori said.
“Why?” Asher demanded.
“Well, hello, children,” my mother said as she approached us.
“Hi, Mom,” I said. “Where’s Dad?”
“Speaking with one of his cronies, I’d imagine.”
I dragged Jake forward and used him as a shield. “This is Jake Parker.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Allen,” Jake said.
She gave him a limp handshake and smiled her signaturesmile before clasping her hands in front of her. “You too.”
“Mom, we’ll be right back,” Asher said, setting down his drinks and guiding me away. “We just need to do something really quick. Tori, come with us, please.” As we headed to the restroom, Asher turned on her. “Why was Dylan upset?”
“Try not to scare Tori with your caveman tone, Ashey,” I warned.
