Page 130 of Far

“I think Mary looks lovely.”

“C-Connor?” I whirl to face him as he steps into the foyer, my father close behind him. “What are you doing here?”

Connor looks handsome in his well-tailored suit and his hair tousled in that stylish but unstudied way. After everything that’s happened, I didn’t expect to see him again so soon.

His eyes meet mine, warm and playful, and for a moment, I forget all the complications. I just want to go over and kiss him.

“Your father invited him,” my mother says.

Of course.

Connor steps forward and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”

My cheeks burn. “Yes. Likewise.”

“Connor, make yourself at home,” my father says.

“I plan to do just that.” He’s still focused on me.

“Is Ella here yet?” I withdraw my hand and take a step back.

“She’ll be along soon with Trent,” my mother says.

“Let’s give them some space.” My father takes my mother by the hand and drags her into the next room.

As soon as they’re out of sight, Connor turns his attention to me. “Did you miss me?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise and—”

The doorbell rings, and my mother rushes in, opening the door.

“Ella, darling!” My mother gushes, embracing her. “And Trent, how wonderful to see you both.”

I glance over to see Ella and her asshole boyfriend enter.

“Hi everyone.” Ella loops her arm through Trent's, smiling at him… almost too big. Too forced?

I plaster on a fake smile of my own as I step forward. “Hi guys, so nice to see you.”

Trent’s beady little eyes scan me up and down, no doubt finding me lacking. He should join a club with my mother.

“Mary, always a pleasure.” He reaches out to shake my hand with his clammy paw and I fight the impulse to wipe it off on my jeans.

“Good to see you, sis.” Ella gives me an awkward one-armed hug. There are dark circles under her eyes that even her heavy makeup can’t quite conceal.

“You okay?” I ask.

“What should be wrong?” Trent asks.

“Nothing.” Ella laughs, a bit too high-pitched. “All good.”

An awkward silence descends. I glance at Connor, who is watching the interaction with an inscrutable look on his face.

“Oh, let me introduce you both to Connor. He’s a cybersecurity consultant working with Dad’s company.” I gesture to Connor, who extends his hand to Trent.

Trent grips it, his knuckles turning white. “Trent Carson. I’m sure you’ve heard of my father’s real estate empire.”

---