Page 70 of Misery and Ecstasy

Fucking female problems. It’s always fucking something.

As we were leaving the office, Draven told me he would absolutely be accompanying me to that appointment. Then he informed me that Thursday’s dinner had been pushed back to seven thirty, just for me, and that everyone was looking forward to my attendance.

Fuck my life.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

DRAVEN

I’ve enlisted the help of Atticus, Delilah, Maggie, and Harleigh to ensure this dinner runs as smoothly as possible for McKinsey.

I know she’s a lot more nervous about being here than she will ever admit. But I also know that once I can get Royce and McKinsey to realize that the other can be trusted, we can return to the dysfunctional family of loveable assholes we’ve always been.

I sandwich Kins between myself and Harleigh on one side of the table. That leaves Delilah to my right, in her usual seat, serving as an additional buffer between the doc and Royce. Across the table from us are Atticus and Maggie.

I’ve been bringing Atticus around McKinsey’s house a little more as a way to help her gradually wade into club waters. She’s finally gotten to a point where she can joke around with him a little, but she’s still treading lightly.

I’m hoping her facing him and Maggie during dinner will ease some of her apprehension about being here. She fought hard to get out of coming tonight. I had to be firm with her, telling her she didn’t have a choice. In reality, if she would have told me she was too afraid, I wouldn’t have forced her into it. But I know she can handle it and has the guts to go toe-to-toe with Royce if it comes to that.

I really hope that doesn’t happen, though.

“On behalf of the club, I want toofficiallywelcome you to our home. We’re happy that you’re here.” Delilah smiles genuinely at McKinsey. She’s transitioned gracefully into her role as matriarch of this club. Even if she is the youngest of us all.

“Thank you for having me.” Kins looks around the table, meeting everyone’s stare—including Royce’s—like the courageous little tiger she is.

No one moves until I see Delilah nod her head out of the corner of my eye. Then the normal flurry of sound and activity descends on the table as everyone begins loading their plates with food.

Grabbing Kins’s plate, I fill it with chicken, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole before putting it back down in front of her. She smiles in appreciation before picking up her fork and digging in. As I make my plate, I silently beg someone to start talking. To make this feel like a normal dinner with family would. I don’t think the doc is the only one who’s nervous about this dinner.

“So, Doc.” Zephyr is the first to break the awkward silence. “Are you coming on the ride with us to Pittsburgh next weekend?”

Shit. I haven’t even mentioned it to her yet. Her expression doesn’t change; she hides the surprise from her face well.

“I don’t know.” She looks from Zephyr to me as she finishes chewing. “It’s the first I’m hearing about it.”

Before her mind tries to tell her I didn’t tell her about it for a specific reason, I speak up.

“I was going to ask you, but I wanted to see how this dinner went first.” Winking, I smile at her.

“That’s smart.” Taking a sip of her water, she turns her attention back to Zephyr and continues. “I’d love to go, though. As long as I’m welcome.”

Looking at me again, she pins me with a stare, and I can see the sincerity in her eyes. My chest twinges with appreciation at her willingness to spend time with my family and get to know them, no matter how uncomfortable she may be.

“Of course, you’re welcome.” Atticus tells her between bites of food before nodding to me. “Especially with the way you’ve been helping this fucking knucklehead. It’s safer for him to have you close.”

“Ha. Ha.” I roll my eyes at Atty, but he’s actually got a point.

Turning my attention to the head of the table, I notice Royce’s attention is fixated on his food. My eyes shift from him to Delilah then back. I don’t notice her moving, but she must nudge him under the table or something because he finally looks up and clears his throat, joining the conversation.

“Yes, we’re all very appreciative of the work you’ve been putting in to help us get back the Draven we all know and love.”

Jesus, did Delilah make him memorize a notecard for tonight or something? That doesn’t sound like a statement Royce would make. And his cold, monotone voice does nothing to support the words he just spoke.

“Okay.” Kins snorts as the word leaves her mouth wrapped in sardonic laughter. The room falls silent with all eyes on her. “If you say so. I don’t know much about you, but I know you didn’t write that line yourself.”

Everyone’s eyes shift from her to Royce as though they’re watching a high-stakes tennis match. When the tension in the room feels like it can’t get any thicker, Royce delivers the next shock by breaking out into a fit of laughter.

“No, I definitely didn’t. She made me say it.” He points to Delilah as he talks. “I don’t even want you here, but I was forced into that as well.”

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