Page 24 of Always

I offer her a half smile. “Your mother invited me to stay for dinner.”

I meet her gaze. It’s almost a glare.

“It’s a free country. Stay.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

She lets out a huff and chuckle. “Since when do you care what I want? Suit yourself.” She walks toward the door.

I’m staying.

I’m staying because I want to experience a meal at her parents’ house.

I’m staying because I’m here and because I can.

I follow her. She pulls open the screen door and then the main door.

Steve and Maggie are no longer in the living room. Skye walks through the foyer and into a small kitchen.

“Will your friend be staying for dinner?” Maggie asks.

“My friend? Mom, this isn’t some guy I brought home from school. This is a billionaire.”

“I know that, dear. Everyone knows who Braden Black is. What we didn’t know is that you and he were…”

“Together? We’re not.”

“But you were.”

“Only for a few weeks.”

I clear my throat. Does Skye realize I’m right behind her andhearing the conversation? “Is the invitation to dinner still open, Mrs. Manning?”

“Of course it is. And please, call me Maggie.”

I nod. She told me that, but now that Skye is here, I felt I should be a bit more formal.

“Why don’t you join Steve in the basement? He’ll be happy to pour you a drink.”

“I’d enjoy that. Does he have Wild Turkey?”

Mom laughs. “It’s only his favorite.”

I nod and walk toward the stairs to the basement. “Can I get either of you anything?”

“Sure,” Skye says. “I’ll have a Wild Turkey, too. Bring Mom a vodka and seltzer.”

I nod again and walk down the stairs.

“I see we have a lot to talk about,” I hear Maggie say to Skye as I descend.

Chapter Ten

In the basement, I’m surprised to find Steve sitting on a faded leather couch in what can only be described as the ultimate man cave.

A neon beer signs flickers, casting its low light to every corner of the spacious room. A bar sits against one wood-paneled wall and a tiny wine rack in one corner, while a flat-screened television playsJeopardy!.

The floor is covered in a worn carpet that has seen many spills and late-night conversations. It’s mottled with splotches of different shades. To the right of the bar is a pool table that has seen better days, its felt rubbed bare in spots.

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