Page 23 of Dirty Groom (Slayers Hockey 7)

I proofed the presentation.

So, I nod and smile, watching my dad where he stands proudly beside Charlie Hale at the head of the conference room table. But I’m not really listening.

I’m thinking about how I used to race around this table when I was five. How Charlie would make PowerPoint presentations with my new toy ideas so I could practice pitching them when I was eight. How my dad would bring me to the very spot where he’s standing when I was thirteen and tell me that one day I’d be leading this company.

But not alone.

My eyes cut across the room to where Ray’s propped against the far back corner, watching me.

Ugh.

He straightens, his hand starting to come up, but I turn back to the front of the room. To my dad.

I’ve been planning my whole life to stand beside him… and in more ways than one, beside Ray.

Only now, there’s an email in my inbox from Sleebly Toys of Seattle.

“So that’s it, kids.” Charlie slaps my dad on the back. “Another toytastic year on the books for H&H. Thanks for being part of the family. And happy New Year.”

I smile at the close he’s been using for as far back as I can remember. My heart aching at the prospect of never hearing it again.

After, my dad steps around a couple department heads to catch me.

“You coming for dinner? Mom and I are going to Costco for those little lambchops you love.”

We’ve been having New Year’s Eve dinner with the Hale family for my entire life. Until last year, I’d never missed.

But no way am I interested in having both families acting like it’s only a matter of time before Ray and I reconcile. Bringing up one story after another about the two of us as a couple. Making sure we’re seated together and finding less than subtle ways to leave us alone together.

Hard pass.

“Sorry, Dad. I’ve got plans.” I flash a smile. “Misty’s picking me up when she finishes work.”

“I have the feeling it won’t just be me and your mother who are disappointed.” He nods to where Ray’s been lingering at the other end of the conference room with Jonah from accounting. “He’s been patient. Giving you space. Giving you ayear. But—”

“Dad,” I warn, the muscles along my back tensing.

My father shrugs, holding his hands up in surrender. “All I’m saying is maybe it’s time to hear him out. He wasyoung.It was a mistake not to tell you earlier, but think of all the years you two had since then.”

What I’m thinking is that I want to puke. But that’s what I get for letting a liar spin the story of why I canceled our wedding and vanished for fifty-six hours.

He gives me a quick hug. “Think about tonight.”

On his way out of the conference room, he exchanges a meaningful look with my ex, who’s loitering while I gather my things.

It turns my stomach to see that sad, resigned look in Ray’s eyes. Because it’s bull. It’s another lie he’s feeding to our families, the way he fed them to me for so many years. Flawlessly. Without a beat of hesitation.

And he proves it the second my dad is out the door.

Any sign of acceptance is gone.

“You’re really going to skip New Year’s again?” he asks, stepping in beside me as I head for the door.

It’s important to me that I maintain a level of professionalism within these walls. Yes, it’s a family business. Fifty percent Hendricks, fifty percent Hale, but I’m not some brat who throws tantrums around the office or lets my love life interfere with my reputation.

A reputation that’s more important than ever right now.

I keep walking. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I am.”

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