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“No! Then we’ll be late. And that will draw even more attention.”

He nods, looking abashed. “After tonight, I won’t wear any more corgi stuff. But …” He trails off with a smirk on his face.

“But what?”

“I have a Highland cow bowtie that’s really classy.”

I quirk my head to the side and keep my face stoic, even though I kind of want to laugh. How could a tie with a cow on it possibly be classy? “How about no animal clothing?”

He heaves a heavy sigh, looking genuinely disappointed. “Okay, you’re the boss.”

I laugh. “Why don’t you save your new animal outfits for when we’re back home? I really want to see that tie.”

He grins, and I’m glad to see the look of disappointment disappear. “You’ll love it. He looks just like Cowlvin,” he says, referencing the Highland cow painting I gave him.

We laugh together as we continue into the formal dining room, which kind of looks like Gaston’s hunting den from Beauty and the Beast. Deer antler chandeliers line the ceiling and everything is fur and leather … even though no one in my family hunts.

We’re still snickering when we discover everyone is already seated at the table. The room is very quiet, and now everyone is staring at us.

“Care to enlighten us on what’s so amusing?” my father asks from the head of the table, his fingers steepled.

My mother glances at her fancy wristwatch. “You’re late.”

Mildred looks at me with a sympathetic smile, widening her eyes as if silently saying our parents are ridiculous. I look at the huge wooden clock above the fireplace at the front of the room. Sure enough, we’re one minute late.

Brooks places one hand at the small of my back, a small but comforting gesture. His hand feels warm as it brushes the bare skin on my lower back. “Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt. It was completely my fault. My hair just wouldn’t cooperate.”

Everyone at the table chuckles at his joke and we take our seats across from Preston and Mildred. I’m relieved that it’s just my family here along with Brooks and Preston. I wasn’t sure if Todd and Trudy would arrive today.

The moment our backsides hit the padded leather chairs, a myriad of servers appear with silver trays. They serve us silently and then leave back through the door they came in from. Brooks eyes me from the side, his expression strained. I can tell he’s trying so hard not to laugh at the fanfare.

I widen my eyes as a silent plea for him to just leave it be and eat.

Unable to help himself, he lifts his water glass to his mouth … his pinky out the entire time.

Chapter 15

Brooks

Okay, Molly’s family is faaaaancy. Like way fancy. No wonder she doesn’t bring anyone around them. The Vanderbilts are practically dripping with pretension and snobbery. Never in my life have I felt poor until arriving here this afternoon.

Throughout my life, I’ve had plenty of people want to be my friend because of my family’s influence or wealth. Hell, half the women I’ve taken on dates have only wanted me for those things. But here at the Vanderbilt’s? I’m just a pauper.

The meal smells and looks incredible. I'm about to dig into my filet mignon when I look around and realize everyone else is just picking at their food.

Molly glances at me and must notice my trepidation. She whispers, “Just go ahead and eat. My family serves meals for show … they’ll all have a diet protein shake after this.”

I snicker as I cut into my steak and take a large bite. I withhold a moan as the meat melts in my mouth. It’s perfect. I swallow and cut off another bite. “This is amazing.”

Molly’s parents watch me dig into my food with barely disguised disgust on their faces. Molly finally starts eating her meal too while everyone else simply picks at their salads. Preston watches each bite I take closely, looking like he might drool.

When I finish my meal, I lean towards Molly. “So, are they gonna finish theirs? Because I could still eat.”

She snorts, drawing a glare from her mother. “Your appetite never ceases to amaze me.”

I flex my arm while bringing a fork full of salad to my mouth. She subtly shakes her head at my antics and I wink at her. “Gotta get my nutrition in for these gains.”

“Are those …” Mildred’s voice draws my attention from across the table. Her eyes are squinting in the direction of my neck. “Corgis?”