Page 52 of Choosing You

ChapterNine

Hailey: Hey! We missed you at dinner last night!

Hailey: We had a full house and I really wished you were there!

They had just gotten back to Will’s after checking out of the resort and she had been expecting the texts to start.

Sloane: Yeah, sorry about that. Will got some great news and we went out to celebrate.

Sloane: We went up to Summit Ridge for dinner and spent the night.

Hailey: Ooh…I love it up there. It’s one of our favorite places to go for a sexy getaway.

Sloane: It’s the only place around here to go for a sexy getaway.

Hailey: There’s that, but it’s still a great place.

Hailey: What’s the good news?

Sloane: It’s not public yet so I can’t say, but it’s really great for him.

Hailey: I’m sure we’ll all find out soon enough, right?

Hailey: Mom and Dad are hosting a big Donovan shindig at The Ridge tonight.

Hailey: I hate to say it but…

Sloane: I need to be there. Got it.

Dammit.

Sloane: What time?

Hailey: Six. They’re closing it to the public, so it’s just going to be us.

Hailey: It’s going to be so much fun!

It was on the tip of her tongue to remind her sister that the opening two nights ago was primarily family members, but she didn’t.

Then, before she could reply, another text came in. This one from her mother.

Mom: Hey, sweetheart! We missed you last night!

Mom: I thought I was going to finally have all my kiddos together, but you weren’t there.

And…cue the guilt. Again.

Mom: But tonight I will because we’re hosting a dinner at the bar tonight and you and Will need to be there. No excuses.

Sloane: Hailey was just texting me about it and don’t worry, we’ll be there.

Mom: Wonderful! We just wanted a night to celebrate with everyone.

Mom: So please don’t flake and not show up. It would break your father’s heart.

Sloane: I don’t flake, Mom. Will and I had plans last night, and I didn’t think dinner at Hailey’s was mandatory.

Mom: Family dinners should always be a top priority.

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