Page 121 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

Miranda spoke first. "Noah, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Where's Natalie?" Dash's voice echoed with alarm.

"She's not here," Noah stated, his tone flat.

"But she's on her way, right?" Kate asked with hopeful eyes.

Noah downed the scant remains of his pinot and stood. "I honestly have no idea how this happened. One minute she was standing here, then the next … Blaine Sheridan showed up and they left."

"Blaine Sheridan? Who the hell is Blaine Sheridan?" Dash looked to Miranda for an answer.

"He's an old family friend I've been trying to set Natalie up with for weeks. I had no idea they were talking," Noah said.

"Did she mention this Blaine guy to either of you?" Dash asked the ladies.

"Only that he stood her up once," Kate said.

"She didn’t say anything to me, but then again our interactions have been strictly professional," Miranda added.

Dash stood there, digesting the scene. He studied the faces around him—each projecting the same confused, embarrassed look. His face appeared the same.

Dash Benning, you are one dumb SOB.

She told you she’d moved on.

In plain, uncomplicated English.

And you didn’t listen.

He turned away from the group, seeking a moment alone by the wall of windows. He stared out at the city, trying to swallow real pangs of failure. Words from his mother—one of the last conversations they shared—returned to him.

Once your confidence turns cocky, the world will knock you down a peg or two, so be humble in all things.

Dash turned back to the group, still standing like statues across the room. He snatched a bloom from the center of the table as he crossed back toward them. He held it to his nose and inhaled, taking a moment to gather his words.

"Son, I hate to say I told you so …" Cecil began.

"Oh sure, Cecil, make the whole thing a goddamn joke," Dash barked.

"Easy now, Dash,” Colt cautioned.

"Dash Benning!” Miranda snapped. “I'm giving you exactly two seconds to apologize to Cecil.”

A heavy sigh escaped Dash's lips. He ran his hand through his hair, then offered it to Cecil. The two men shook. It instantly relieved a mountain of tension.

"Mr. Benning,” Noah began, “I would like to offer my most sincere apology. If I'd had any idea whatsoever about Natalie and Blaine …"

Dash blinked away the emotion that threatened his eyes. "It's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault but mine. Cecil, you tried your best to warn me and I wouldn't listen. This whole thing was a stupid idea. Who does this? Who flies a group of people hundreds of miles for a Win Her Back party? What even is that?”

"A grand gesture, little brother,” Colt stated. "You’ve never been one to play it safe or do something small."

"The fact that you wanted all of us to be a part of this shows how much you want to start over with Natalie. We all bought in. Was it crazy? Yes. Did we love it? We did. We do," Kate added.

Foster pulled his cell phone from his pocket. "Let me call and talk to her."

Dash shook his head. “Sir, I'd rather you didn't. I don't want anything to ruin her evening. She obviously wants to spend time with this Sheridan guy, and we have to respect that. I want everyone to promise to not reach out to her."

Tears drew lines down Miranda’s heavily powered cheeks. "Dash, hon, I don't know what to say. I wanted this night to be so special for you. We all did.”