Hallie groans. “God, you’re such an asshole, Ryan.”
Ryan smirks. “Just making conversation.”
Hallie turns to Sutton. “Ignore him. He interrogates everyone who looks remotely competent because he’s threatened by them.”
Ryan tilts his head. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” Hallie replies, shooting him a glare. “Especially when it’s a woman who’s clearly better than him.”
The table goes quiet for half a second, tension thickening the air. Damn it. We couldn’t act like a normal fucking family for five minutes before the usual resentments came out. I was hopingI’d have a little longer before Sutton realized just how cold and distant my family really is.
My mother clears her throat, breaking the silence. “Sutton, are you working on anything currently?”
Sutton straightens, clearly grateful for the redirect. “I’m actually working on a bid for a project here in Denver. Jackson Romero wants to remodel the performance center downtown and I’m eager to land the account.”
Grandfather nods slowly, appearing genuinely intrigued. “And what’s your angle for the project?”
“I want to blend the historical beauty and significance of the building with modern amenities and conveniences,” she answers, her eyes lighting up.
My grandfather studies her, then gives a single approving nod. “An appreciation of the old and new. I like it.”
Ryan leans back, incapable of staying silent for more than a minute. “Idealism is expensive.”
“So is cynicism,” Sutton replies, a slight edge in her tone.
I look down to hide my grin.
That’s my girl.
Hallie beams. “Oh, I like her.” She leans closer to Sutton, whispering loudly enough for the whole table to hear. “I’ve never seen Jayce like this, by the way.”
Sutton blinks. “Like what?”
“Attentive,” Hallie says, nodding toward me. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you once.”
Ryan glances at me. “Have you?”
I don’t answer.
Sutton’s cheeks go pink. “He’s just being polite.”
Hallie snorts. “Jayce doesn’t do polite.”
I shoot Hallie a glare, but she just winks at me.
Dinner is brought out, and as we start eating, the time we all spend together is actually not the dumpster fire I expected it tobe. Apart from the occasional obnoxious comment from Ryan, everyone is very polite and engaging with Sutton. I can see her relax more and more as the evening progresses, and relief settles over me.
Just when it feels like we might actually escape this dinner intact, however, my mother sets her napkin down and smiles.
“So, I’ve already spoken to Iris,” she says casually. “She and I are going to handle the wedding planning together.”
The wordweddinghits the table like a dropped glass.
Sutton’s spine goes rigid and her eyes go wide.
“You…you’ve spoken to my mother?”
Mom nods. “I thought it easiest if the two of us became acquainted right away so we could work together. I’ve lined up a few venue tours and tastings, and made sure everything works around Jayce’s hockey schedule, of course.”
