Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
“Sorry, this drink line is taking forever,” he tells me.
“It’s okay. We’re not in any rush. The guests of honor aren’t even here yet.”
I keep scanning the arched doorway for my mother, who texted a few minutes ago to say she was almost at the hotel. Dad couldn’t come with her tonight because of a work emergency, so she’s flying solo.
On my next scan, my gaze lands on a familiar face.
Ugh. Mitch is here.
Every muscle goes on high alert. I don’t know why I’m surprised to see him. A third of my sorority sisters are dating Delta Tau guys. Their frat is our male counterpart, and we frequently cohost events with them, so there are a bunch of Delta Tau alums in attendance tonight.
When Mitch’s eyes meet mine, he gives me a little smirk. I shift my gaze off his smug face, wondering what I ever saw in the guy. He was so sweet when we first started dating. Attentive. Kind. But his energy could never quite match mine, whether in the bedroom, academics, or general life aspirations. I can’t believe I wasted almost two years on him.
Will follows my gaze. “Is that Mitch?”
“Yup. Just ignore him.”
“Gladly.”
The bartender finally brings Will two glasses of red wine. He hands me one, and I link my arm through his as we wander away from the bar. We find a quiet spot across the room with Faith, Yara, and Blake, and rather than acknowledge the constant looks Mitch tosses my way, I try to focus on the sound of Will’s deep voice as he chats with my friends. The ballroom buzzes with laughter and conversation, the clinking of glasses echoing off the walls.
The next time I check the entrance, I spot my mother walking through the archway.
I touch Will’s arm. “My mom’s here.”
He’s unfazed. “Do you want to go over there alone first, or should I come with you?”
I stare at him.
“What?” he says.
“You’re about to meet my mother, and you’re acting like it’s no big deal.”
Will shrugs. “It’s not a big deal. You told her we’re dating, right?”
Yes, but I’d neglected to mention that I’m also dating his best friend. Mom has been texting all week about how she can’t wait to meet Will, and each time I read an excited message from her, unhappiness washes over me at the reminder that Beckett isn’t here with us. He insisted he didn’t mind, that he wanted me to enjoy the night without worrying about him, but still, it doesn’t quite feel right.
It feels like I’m betraying Beckett by not introducing him to my mother. By acting like he’s not as big a part of my life as Will is.
“C’mon,” Will says, lacing his fingers through mine. “Let’s go say hi.”
I notice Faith giving a nod of approval at his confidence about meeting my mom. She told me the other night that she likes Will a lot. She thinks he’s good for me.
I catch my mother’s eye, and we weave our way toward her. Her face lights up at the sight of us, her smile broadening.
“Charlotte, honey! You look beautiful.” She gives me a hug and a kiss on the forehead, then turns to Will, appraising him. “And I finally get to meet Will! You are a lot more handsome than Charlotte described,” she tells him, and he chuckles.
“Thanks,” he says, looking bashful as he bites his lip through a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Kingston.”
“Please. Call me Anna.” She shakes his hand, then squeezes it with both of hers. “The pleasure is all mine. Char hasn’t told us much about you, so I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. You play hockey, I’ve heard?”
He nods. “I’m a forward for the Briar men’s team. Do you watch hockey?”
Mom laughs. “Nope! But I’m happy to hear all about it. Do you enjoy it?”
There’s genuine affection in her eyes as she chats with Will, asking him about his studies, his interests. He answers her questions with the perfect blend of charm and respect, and I can’t help but feel proud. He really is sweet, and Mom is clearly impressed by him.
As they talk, another rush of guilt floods my body.
Beckett should be here too.
I shouldn’t have to choose between them like this, decide on who gets to be my “public” boyfriend. The job fell into Will’s lap because I’d told Faith I had a movie date with him the first time I went over to their place. And it just sort of stuck.
The evening goes on, the award ceremony for my mother and the other presidential honoree coming and going, and Will stays by my side, his presence comforting and steady. But I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. Every time I look at him, I think of Beckett and how unfair this all is. I need to talk to Beckett. Just to hear his voice, to make sure he’s okay.