Page 53 of Choosing You

Sloane: We do them every week. I think it’s okay if I miss one.

Mom: It was your sister’s first time hosting everyone. She was very disappointed.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and counted to ten before replying.

Sloane: Then I’ll apologize to her. I promise.

Sloane: And Will and I will see you at the bar at six.

Mom: Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate you making time for us.

Mom: Love you!

“Well, if that wasn’t passive aggressive…” she mumbled before tapping back over to her sister’s messages.

Sloane: Hey. Just got the guilt check from Mom.

Sloane: I’m sorry I messed up your big hosting thing yesterday. I had no idea it was such a big deal.

Hailey: What are you talking about?

Sloane: Dinner last night. Mom said you were very disappointed because it was your first time hosting everyone and then I didn’t show up.

Hailey: OMG! I mean, yeah, I was bummed because I missed you, but it wasn’t a big deal. Plus, it wasn’t my first time hosting. I’ve hosted plenty of times.

Sloane: Freaking Mom! Grr!

Hailey: We ordered pizza and then the guys all went up to The Ridge to hang out.

Hailey: I went to bed early because once everyone left, I put Layla down and took advantage of the peace and quiet!

Hailey: You totally got guilted.

Sloane: Ugh!

Sloane: I’m almost tempted to not show up tonight, but I won’t do that to Dad.

Hailey: Good. Plus, I really want to see you.

Sloane: We’re all going to see each other at the festival tomorrow. I’m guessing this is going to be a group thing, right?

Hailey: Probably. We’ll figure it all out tonight.

Sloane: Sounds like a plan.

Sloane: See you at six! Love you!

Hailey: Love you too!

Tossing the phone down, she let her head fall back against the sofa cushions and sighed.

“Uh-oh. That doesn’t sound good. You okay?”

“Just family stuff,” she murmured before showing him all the texts.

“Yikes.”

“Welcome to my world.”

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