“Oh-kay.”
I took her for more of a wine drinker, but I go ahead and order the drinks. Dropping a tip in the jar, I hand Tori her drink.
“Thanks.” She grabs the glass from me and downs half the clear liquid in two seconds flat.
Wow. That’s not nothing.
I want to ask, but don’t know how. Not without her shutting me down completely.
“Easy there, hotshot. You’re gonna be shit-faced if you keep up that pace.”
“It’s fine. Everything’s fine.”
She takes another long slug of the drink, her eyes darting around the lobby.
“Let’s check out our table.” She grips my elbow and drags me into the main dining room, a huge space with a soaring vaulted ceiling and windows facing the ocean. The tables are draped in white linens with oversized pink-and-white rose centerpieces. Candles flicker, the golden light bouncing off the wood plank walls.
We’re nearly across the room when we’re stopped by a woman in a glittery black sequin gown, her dark hair swept back from her face. She’s attractive in that very high-maintenance way, and I instantly file her under donor. Or at least someone with a shit ton of money.
“Victoria — what a surprise. It’s been too long.” The woman leans in, lightly grasping Tori’s arms and kissing her on each cheek. Tori’s shoulders stiffen, her posture ramrod straight.
“Hello, Eleanor.” Her voice is cool and distant.
“When I saw Prince on the guest list, I assumed your father would be here.” The woman half-smiles, her plump lips pinching.
“He had a meeting tonight.” Tori offers no further explanation.
“Shame. I’d hoped to run into him.”
The two women study each other for a moment before Eleanor turns to me.
“You look so familiar.” She waves her finger through the air and Tori blanches, her grip tight on my arm.
“I play for the Crushers.”
“Of course you do.” Her gaze flicks from my face down my body, then back again, taking all of me in. “I know exactly who you are now…”
“Darling…” A man strolls up, tapping Eleanor’s elbow. He’s in a tux, with salt-and-pepper hair, a well-maintained beard, and designer glasses. “Hello, Tori.”
He leans over and kisses Tori on the cheek, just one this time.
Tori seems to thaw a tiny bit. “Hello, Trent. Nice to see you.”
“Likewise. And this is…” He tips his head at me.
“Bennett. Bennett Steele. A winger for the Coastal Crushers.”
His brow creases as he studies me, like I’m a science exhibit or something.
“Good to see you.” He extends his hand and I shake it, wondering who the hell these people are and why Tori’s gone polar. Even icier than normal.
“Well, it’s good to see you out, Victoria. After everything that…” Eleanor leans in closer to Tori, her smile never faltering. “Didn’t happen.”
Her gaze slides to Tori’s left hand. Tori’s knuckles go white around her drink, ice clinking against the glass.
I don’t know what just happened. But I know a cheap shot when I see one.
I shift slightly, closing the gap between me and Tori.
