Before Tessa and I take our seats, Ben’s voice cuts through the rising tension. “Hope. Tessa.fancy meeting you here.”
Despite my dread of the evening I turn to him with a smile.
Ben is in a navy suit, hair neatly styled. Calm. Confidence. But his eyes soften when they land on me.
“Hi,” I say, managing a smile.
He greets Tessa with a hug, then me with a nod that lingers a second too long.
His eyes silently asking, Are you okay?"
Yes, I mouth.
Keith watches the exchange.
He doesn’t blink, his wolf lurking in his eyes.
It reminds me of the lie I told. The one I hope not one shines a light on at this dinner.
I decided I'm going to tell him the truth, I just want to do it with a smaller and less hostile audience.
Papa welcomes everyone, claps Keith on the shoulder, motions for us to
