Together, we enter the crowded ballroom and make our way towards the table. Everyone’s already seated, the only two empty seats between the MacDonalds and a woman I don’t recognize. She must be the local animal charity sponsor.
Bennett pulls out the chair next to her and gestures for me to sit down. I catch his eye, arching my brow slightly, silently asking if he’s sure. He tips his chin, a barely perceptible nod. So I take my seat.
Leaving Bennett next to Eleanor.
Within seconds, a waiter appears with the salad course and we settle in for dinner. Eleanor’s chatting with the Caldwells, long-time team donors. Wine’s poured, bread’s served.
I breathe a little easier.
Big mistake.
“Bennett—” Eleanor’s gaze lands on him and my gut clenches.
This is not good.
“I’m surprised Max had you attend an event like this. After what happened during pre-season.”
Bennett’s jaw ticks, his nostrils flaring. But he shoots Eleanor a broad smile.
“Same. Guess he wanted to make sure my etiquette game stayed as sharp as my stick skills.”
Mr. Rayburn laughs heartily at Bennett’s joke and launches into a recap of Bennett’s career highlights. Honestly, the guy’s a superfan.
And right now, I’m here for it. Eleanor can’t get a word in, effectively shutting down the gossipy conversation.
With Mr. Rayburn handling the Bennett-Eleanor situation, I’m free to chat with the animal charity sponsor. Kya’s quite lovely and by the end of the main course, I have her contact info passed on to Harbor in hopes of setting up a puppy adoption day at one of our home games.
Dessert’s served, a decadent chocolate cake, along with coffee, tea, and more wine. Bennett requests two slices of cake — lucky bastard — and polishes them off in record time.
We’re almost safe. Bennett’s been on his best behavior, much better than expected. Eleanor’s spent most of the night neutralized by the other dinner guests. If we can escape in the next few minutes, we’re golden.
I’m folding up my napkin, ready to leave the table, when Eleanor’s voice stops me.
“Victoria, I assume you’ve heard the good news.”
Her tone’s snarky, so I doubt whatever tea she’s about to spill will be good.
“Concerning?” I glance her way, the corners of her mouth tipping up into a tight smile.
“Preston. I thought for certain you would have seen the announcement. But I don’t suppose you follow society news—” She drops her voice an octave lower and shifts her eyes around the room—"now that you’re down here.” She says ‘down here’ as if I’m serving a life sentence in hell.
Dinner churns in my stomach, my chest tight. I haven’t heard a thing about Preston. But it’s not like I’ve been stalking him.
“Sorry, no. I’ve been busy. With work.” A concept she never understood.
“Of course you have. That always was a sticking point between you two. I remember.”
Hot anger bubbles in my veins, but I take a sip of water and will myself to stay calm. Bennett taps his foot against mine beneath the table and I instantly feel better.
“Preston’s engaged. Finally.” Eleanor locks eyes with me, a smug look of victory on her face.
All the air’s sucked from my lungs and I fold my hands in my lap to stop the tremor. My dress suddenly feels too tight and my cheeks burn.
With forced cheer, I smile at Eleanor and Trent. “Wonderful news. Please pass my congratulations on to him.”
The band switches from dinner music to a quicker, more upbeat song, and Bennett pushes away from the table.
“I love this song. Tori, shall we?” He extends his hand and I gratefully take it, moving onto the dance floor with stilted steps. Bennett guides us to the farthest corner of the room and I exhale a tiny bit. He puts one hand on my waist and lifts the hand I’m holding to his shoulder, the movement bringing me back to the moment.
