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My mom picked this out for me, and I’m only wearing it to try to soften the blow when I show up with Rhett in tow tonight.
A knock comes at the door, and I take a deep breath as I go to answer it.
There’s no going back now.
I swing the door open, and my jaw drops.
“Holy shit,” I say, practically drooling as I take in the beauty that is Rhett in a perfectly fitted black suit.
“I can clean up well if I need to,” he says with a chuckle, and I nod.
“I’ll say.”
“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” I say, grabbing my clutch and pulling the door shut behind me.
“Are you ready for this?” He asks as we head for the elevator.
“I think so,” I say with a sigh.
“That bad, huh?”
“I’m just not sure how they’ll react. I mean, they’ll have to be gracious because we’re in public, but I doubt that will stop them from pushing their choices on me all night.”
He nods, leading me outside and over to his car. I give him directions as we navigate our way through the traffic and up into the Hollywood Hills. There’s a valet working at the gate of my parents’ property, and I try to roll my shoulders back and ease some of the tension starting there.
“It’s going to be okay,” Rhett whispers in my ear, and I take a deep breath, relaxing as Rhett takes my hand and we head into the house.
The party is in full swing, and I look around for my parents.
“Do you want to seek out your parents or let them bump into us?” Rhett asks as I look around the front sitting room.
“Let’s do a round. I’m sure that we’ll run into them.”
Sure enough, as expected, my mother is posted up in the living room, holding court. I’m sure my father is in his study doing the same, and I paste on a smile as I lead Rhett in her direction.
“That’s her?” He asks once we’re closer, and I nod.
“Hey, mom,” I say brightly, and she turns in my direction, her eyes locking on mine and Rhett’s clasped hands.
“Quinn, darling,” she says, her smile turning fake and brittle around the edges as she takes in Rhett. “Who is your friend?”
“This is my boyfriend, Rhett,” I say, my voice barely wavering.
Rhett squeezes my hand in encouragement, and I relax slightly.
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am,” Rhett says when my mom doesn’t say anything.
“What do you do for a living, Rhett?” She asks, and he smiles blandly.
“I was in the SEALs, but I got out a few months ago and started my own security company with a buddy of mine.”
“Oh, how… nice,” she finishes lamely, and I want to drag Rhett out of there then.
“Thanks,” he says, squeezing my hand to keep me from saying anything.
“Have you seen Tripp yet?” She asks, turning to me.
