Dammit.
“Did you already tell Ella about dinner?” I ask Matthew.
“No. As I said, your mother is full steam ahead on planning this. She must have gotten ahold of Ella herself.”
I curse under my breath and text Ella back.
We don’t need to do dinner with my family. We could do a nice dinner at home before I leave tomorrow morning.
No way. Your mom called me, and there’s no way in hell I’m backing out.
I groan.
So? What should I plan on as far as clothes go?
Casual dress, I think is what it’s called.
You think? I need direction here, Mr. Langford. I’m meeting your mother for the first time. I don’t need to remind you who your mother is.
Don’t over think it. She’ll love you no matter what.
I wish it was that easy.
She already fawns over you to me.
How? She hasn’t even met me.
Well, my father and brothers have, and they’ve told her how amazing you are. And your face and videos have been splashed all over the media, so it’s not like you’re some enigma. She likes what she’s seen and heard so far.
Even with all the Kyle drama?
Even with that.
Then let’s hope that continues when she actually meets me.
Don’t worry, baby. She’ll love you.
And she will,I have no doubt about that, but god, I just wanted one more night with Ella to myself before I leave on my business trip. My mother is lucky Ella came into the officetoday and that I already got my plan back on track. Otherwise, I’d be fighting dirty to keep this little dinner party from happening.
I’ll just have to find a way to get Ella to make it up to me.
8
ASHER
Ella’s eyes nearly pop from their sockets as we walk up the brick path to my parents’ home.
“This is the house you grew up in?”
“Yes. And my father was raised here as well. My grandfather was raised in a similar house on Long Island and bought this one as a second home to be a bit closer to the city.”
“Yes, I can see that. Yup. Just a little second home.” Her voice drips with sarcasm as she takes in the house.
“I didn’t say a small second house. Just a second house.”
She snorts.
I reach up and ring the doorbell. Ella runs her hands over her black dress, smoothing an invisible wrinkle.
