Page 8 of From That Moment

“No, my parents are dead.”

A complete lie, but I was used to saying it in harsh tones like I had right then.

So harsh, in fact, that he blanched a bit, blinked, and then smiled, even though it didn’t reach his eyes.

“My condolences.”

“It’s been a long time,” I said, compounding on the lie.

No one needed to know where my parents were now. I didn’t want to think about them at all.

No oneneeded to think about them.

“I take it your family summers with Myra’s?”

“Sometimes. They used to summer more with the parents of your other friend, Hazel.”

“Ah,” I said, not sure where to go with that.

“It was so sad when they passed. Even sadder when Hazel cut ties with her former husband. His family was quite influential.”

“Well, the whole kidnapping and drugging and murder part of the whole situation probably put a downer on summer vacations,” I said casually, taking a sip of my gimlet.

His cheeks reddened. This time, there was more of a snarl on his lips.

“Things like that do tend to tarnish things, don’t they?

“And I would assume the screaming and the bleeding and the gunshots probably tarnished things a bit more.”

“Paris,” he admonished.

“What? Hazel’s ex was an asshole. And if you’re sad that you can’t go to the country club with his family anymore, that’s on you, not her.”

“I’m just saying, using your words nicely would be more beneficial in these things. If you would only tell me what she did to push him, then perhaps we could come to an understanding. What drove him over the edge? Why didn’t she listen to him to begin with?”

Andy was very lucky that I did not want to waste good vodka by throwing my drink in his face. Instead, I took another sip and pushed back from the table.

“You know what? Thank you for this evening, because you showed me what I’ve been missing on the other side of the table.”

“Excuse me?” he asked, his voice icy and clipped.

“It shows me that I should just give up dating altogether. Especially if you are what’s out there.”

“You cannot say that to me. You don’t know who I am. My family.”

“I think I knowexactlywho you are. Have a wonderful night, Andy.” I put two twenties on the table.

“Since I didn’t eat, I bet you can take the rest home to your mother. Or whoever else is part of yourinner circle.”

I started to storm past him, but he stood up abruptly and pushed past me. His shoulder shoved into mine, and I staggered a bit, making a scene as I clutched the table to steady myself.

And then, as if the heavens had opened up, an angel—or perhaps the devil himself—came to my side and gripped my elbow.

“Paris?”

I turned, mortification sliding over me as I tilted my head, hoping to hell my face wasn’t as red as it felt.

I put on that icy façade that had gotten me through so much.