The Rayburns - +2
They’re the couple from the meet-and-greet, Bennett’s biggest fans. Fine.
Driftwood Cove Humane Society - +2
One of the charity recipients. No problem, should be all good there.
The MacDonald Family - +2
No.
No, no, no.
This can’t be happening.
My palm slicks and a wave of nausea rolls through me, my stomach turning sour.
Maybe it’s a different MacDonald family.
That’s a super common name, probably in the top twenty-five in the United States.
To be on the safe side, I text my father with trembling hands.
Tori: Going over the guest list. The MacDonald family at our table? From Long Island?
I stare at the screen, letters scrambling together. Finally, the familiar dots appear and I hold my breath.
Daddy: Yes. Eleanor wanted to see the new facilities
Shit.
Why? Of all the people in the world, the last family I want to see is the MacDonalds.
Daddy: Didn’t think it’d be a problem. It’s been so long
Dark spots dance in my vision and bile rises in my throat. I swallow the acid down and rest my head on my forearms, the marble of the kitchen island cool on my heated skin.
Of course he wouldn’t think it’s a big deal.
Maybe I can still bail.
Surely there’s someone else who can babysit Bennett for one freaking night. Knox and Bishop will be there — the job’s not that tough.
Yeah right.
There’s no one in the organization my father would trust with this assignment. Not Coach Keller, not an assistant coach, not even Harbor Hayes, our PR director.
No, the gala’s a critical event and a Prince must be in attendance.
Rubbing my bare ring finger, I take another deep breath and text my father back.
Tori: Not a problem. Surprised to see them on the list
Daddy: They’re still big donors
With another shaky breath, I tap out the question I’m almost too afraid to ask. But I need to know, to be prepared.
Tori: Only +2?
