Page 82 of Calling the Shots

GRACELYN

“Tinsley! So glad you’re here. I was hoping you’d make it. Thought you might change your mind and go to the Maldives with your parents.” Emma Kate bounces off the couch, embracing Tinsley in a warm hug.

I don’t remember Mack ever mentioning a Tinsley. Maybe a cousin or something? I sit quietly, waiting to be introduced.

“Oh no, never! A week on an island with my parents? No, thank you.” Tinsley flips her chestnut hair over her shoulder, then sidles over to the table. “Hey, y’all. Thanks so much for the invitation. I’m happy to be here.” She glances at Mack’s parents, then turns her attention to Mack.

“Hello.”

An easy, simple greeting. Yet something feels off, the word heavy and loaded with an emotion I can’t quite pinpoint. That and the way she’s looking at him, as if she’s staring straight into his soul.

“Hello.” Mack’s tone is flat and, unlike his sister, he doesn’t jump up to hug her. In fact, he’s rather cold and distant. I’m thinkingnota cousin.

Who is this girl and why is Mack acting all weird?

A twinge of jealousy zips through me, but I work hard to ignore it.

“Tinsley, this is my girlfriend, Gracelyn.”

Tinsley’s glossy lips twitch, the corners barely tipping up into a smile. “Well, hello. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” I nod at her, trying my best to seem friendly.

“Tinsley, dear, take a seat, have some tea.” Mack’s mom interrupts the introduction, pouring her a cup of tea without waiting for a response.

Tinsley doesn’t seem to mind, graciously accepting the tea and dropping two cubes of sugar into the cup. She stirs the hot beverage with a tiny spoon, the soft clinking on the cup jangling my nerves.

She doesn’t sit at the table. Instead, she takes a seat next to Emma Kate on the couch and sips her tea.

“Mrs. McIntire, delicious as always.” Tinsley beams at Mack’s mom and I swear the woman preens, glowing.

“Thank you, dear. All credit goes to the chef.”

“Nonsense.” Tinsley waves her hand, brushing aside the show of humility. “How long are y’all in town for? The whole weekend?” She aims the question at me, but I hesitate, waiting for Mack to take the lead.

He doesn’t let me down.

“That’s the plan.” He takes another drink, the dainty cup doll-sized in his large hand. It’s odd, seeing him in this environment. He’s always been so tough and burly. This is an entirely different Mack than I’m used to.

“You ladies coming to dinner tonight?” Mack’s dad directs the question at Emma Kate and Tinsley.

Emma Kate nods. “Yes, sir.”

“Alright then. Excuse me while I call the club and change the reservation. And golf tomorrow?”

“Sounds great!” Tinsley claps her hands, and my stomach sinks. I’m the odd one out here. Maybe I can stay behind and illicitly watch daytime television.

Doubtful.

Mack’s dad excuses himself, pouring another shot of bourbon on the way out of the room. Emma Kate and Tinsley talk with each other on the couch, not loud enough for us to hear. Mack’s mom sips her tea and Mack and I sit in silence, his fingers tapping the table in a quick rhythm. Mack should probably stick to decaf the rest of the weekend.

“What time’s dinner, Mother?” he asks.

“Six pm. Happy hour will begin at half past five.”

“Okay. We’re going go to our rooms and freshen up, get ready for dinner.”

Rooms? I’m going to be alone in this giant house?

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