My parents forced me to cook and clean all weekend for my sister’s party with 50 guests.

was.

“Emily Carter,” I said.

Victor’s voice was calm. “I apologize for disturbing your evening.”

“You didn’t.”

“I left your parents’ house.”

I set my mug down. “That bad?”

“I have attended worse events,” he said. “But rarely with such poor potato salad.”

Despite everything, I smiled.

Then his tone shifted. “Your mother told several guests you were between continue reading …