Page 20 of Perfect Convergence

Before I know it, I’m scrolling through job ads for graphic designers in Philadelphia. I don’t have a car, but there are enough public transportation options here that I’d be fine.

I bookmark a few promising jobs, and then I get ready for dinner, pulling on a dark pair of jeans and a pretty shirt. My mom chose a nice restaurant, which is odd considering she hates spending money, but whatever.

I put on more makeup than normal, knowing if I don’t my mom will make some kind of comment about how I’ve let myself go. Then I give myself a once-over in the mirror, wishing I was going out with Ava or the guys.

The restaurant—some place called the Garden Grille—isn’t too far away by subway, especially since I bring a book to read during the ride. Far too soon, I’m walking through the front doors, texting my mom to let her know that I’m here.

Turns out, though, I don’t need to bother. The second I walk up to the hostess stand, I spot my mom, and my stomach drops to the floor.

She’s not alone.

Adam’s parents, Mary Anne and Robert, sit at the table with my mom, my stepdad, and...

Adam.

For a moment, I’m frozen to the ground, my heart in my throat. They’re all chatting away, smiling at each other, except for Adam. His face is bruised, and one of his arms is in a sling. It takes me a second to remember that Rhett and Oliver are the ones who did that to him.

Without realizing, I take a step backward. Get out of here. Get out of here before they see you. Whatever mom has planned, it’s not—

I bump into someone, almost losing my balance before I right myself. “Sorry—”

“Watch where you’re going, young lady,” a man snaps loudly. Too loudly.

It barely registers in my mind that the man I just ran into is Edgar Williams, a well-known businessman in the area. Because the next thing I know, my stepdad is out of his seat and walking toward me.

No. What the hell is he doing here? Mom said she was alone.

“Hello, Thomas,” I say tightly as he approaches.

“Wren.” He puts his hand on the small of my back, pushing me forward. I elbow him in the gut. He grunts.

“Don’t you dare touch me, you piece of shit.” Shoving his arm off me, I march to the table and glare at my mother. “What the hell is going on? I thought this was just supposed to be you and me.”

“Well hi, honey. Nice to see you too.” My mom stands and pulls me into a hug. “We’re all just worried about you. We want to make sure you’re not going to regret your... life choices.”

I pull away. “This is an intervention?”

“Well...”

Oh. my. god.

“No. No, I’m not doing this.” With a shake of my head, I turn to go, but Thomas is blocking my path. “Seriously?”

“Sit down,” he snaps. His arms are crossed over his chest, his face set with hard determination. If I was ten years younger, it’d have me quivering and obeying every single one of his commands.

Now? Fuck him.

I match his stance, leveling him with my own glare. “Typical. Going straight for intimidation tactics. I’m a fucking adult, Thomas. You have no authority over me.”

“Sweetie,” Robert says, turning in his chair to face me. “Please don’t make a scene. We’re genuinely concerned. I know it feels like an ambush, but it’s not, I promise.” Then he cuts Thomas a look. “Back off, Tom. You’re not helping.”

“Wren.” My mom tugs on my arm. “Please?”

“Fine,” I grit out. I plop into the seat next to Adam, scooching my chair closer to him since the empty chair on the other side belongs to Thomas. Adam sucks, but my stepdad is worse.

“Great,” my mom says, giving the table a tight smile. “Wren, I ordered you a sugar-free lemonade. They have a great selection of salads here.”

“Patricia,” Robert murmurs, his eyes flaring wide in shock. As if her trying to make sure I watch my weight is new.

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