Page 81 of After All This Time

"I've brought some dresses for you to try on tonight. Is that allowed?"

"Well, I didn't bring anything that would be worthy of the type of party you're throwing, so thank you."

Her lips curve into the faintest smile. "You know, it's the one thing we love to celebrate. Our friends look forward to it every year."

"I assume it'll be all the usual faces?"

"Yes,"my mom replies, her tone breezy, like she doesn't notice my growing irritation. "Oh, I meant to tell you that Bryce will be here tonight."

I freeze as I reach for my cup, my eyes narrowing. "Bryce?"

"Yes, Bryce."

"Bryce, as in the Bryce who asked to take me to prom, Bryce?"

"Okay, let's stop saying his name like that, but yes."

"Why?"

"He started working for David last month."

"Okay, you need to tell me how the hell that happened, considering they met like once or twice, and that was only in passing when we'd hang out here with Allison."

"I think Bryce reached out to him,"my mom replies, her tone casual as if this is the most normal thing in the world. "He said he was looking for a permanent position somewhere after college and asked if David would be willing to take him on. Train him so he could go into the job knowing what he's doing."

"And David just said yes?"

"Well, it's not like he has Tobias asking him for the same kind of opportunity,"she quips, and I feel my jaw tighten at the unnecessary jab. "So, yes, I think he was impressed by how direct Bryce was about what he wanted. And the fact that it's David's company he wants to be involved in—it's flattering. Of course, I put in a good word for him, considering I know him."

"Well, that was nice of you,"I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

She either doesn't catch it or chooses to ignore it because she sips her tea and adds, "He's single, you know."

"Okay…"I say slowly, knowing exactly where this is going but wishing it wasn't.

"I'm just saying he's very handsome, and he always had a thing for you."

"Mom,"I groan, dragging a hand down my face. "I'm not going to start a relationship with someone I'll never see. So you can stop the meddling."

"All the more reason to come home when the year ends,"she says, like it's the most logical solution to all my problems.

"Bryce isn't the answer."

"Well, I'm sure it'll be nice for you to catch up regardless."

I shake my head, pick up my tea, and allow the hot liquid to burn my throat as a welcome distraction from the headache this entire conversation is giving me.

"So how was the drive here?"

"It was fine. We took turns, so it was probably better that Tobias waited too long to get a flight."

She gives me a puzzled look. "Tobias had a flight. David booked it for him. He would've booked you one, too, but we all know you won't fly."

I blink, my mind stalling for a second.

Tobias had a flight.

He chose to drive with me.

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