Page 32 of Scandalous Lover

“I’ll message Reina and Fran. I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to eat at Raft with us.”

Dom says nothing, so I stammer on like an idiot. “I may have a calming perspective but getting her hooked up with some female friends on island is going to be best in the long run.”

His face transforms as he considers, softening as he contemplates. “Okay. Yeah. That’s a good idea. I’m sure Reina’s houseguests could use a night on their own. I’ll let her know. You talk Fran into it.”

I smile and flop back down in my chair. “No one ever had to talk Fran into dinner plans.”

Dom huffs out a laugh. “That’s true.” Another nod and he’s back in the doorway. “See you at six.”

My breath rushes out of me once he’s safely down the hallway. I collapse my head into my hands.

What a goddamn mess.

Sure, it’ll be better to have the girls there as a buffer at dinner, but this is only a stopgap solution. Naomi will be on the island for the foreseeable future. There’s no way I’m going to be able to avoid her entirely.

Or can I?

I already work a ton, who would notice if I started working even more? I could move into my office, pile my desk with paperwork, and finally get caught up. Hell, I could start employee performance reviews. Sure, it’s four months earlier than usual, but may as well get them out of the way, right?

I’m considering printing out the entirety of last quarter’s expense reports to get a head start on our tax filing prep when I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. I already know who it is before I even pull it out.

Naomi: Hey Sam. Dom invited us down for dinner tonight. I’m excited to try out his restaurant. See you at six!

I should tell her about the other guests, but I want to make sure they’re on board first, so I punch out a quick text to Fran.

Sam: Franny…dinner at Raft at six tonight with a special guest. Say yes.

I don’t have to wait long for her typing bubble to pop up.

Fran: Yes, obviously.

Fran: No Avery?

I tap my fingers on my desk, considering. There’s no real reason for him not to come, other than the fact that our five-star, award-winning tasting room restaurant is generally booked months out and Dom’s already going to have to drag a table out of storage to fit the four of us.

Sam: Fifth wheel

Fran: *crying laughing emoji*

Sam: But if Reina can’t make it, there’ll be a seat for him

Fran: Ooh! Reina’s coming? Yesss! I’ll text her right now to make sure she doesn’t bail.

Perfect. Let the ladies sort it out.

I type and delete four different messages to Naomi before finally deciding on one to send.

Sam: Looking forward to it. Reina and Fran are joining us, you’re going to love them.

Naomi’s typing bubble pops up and disappears over and over until I finally have to put my phone down as my eyes start to burn from staring at the screen. It’s nearly ten minutes later when the message finally comes through.

Naomi: Okay!

I set my phone back down as dread washes through me.

This situation is completely out of control.

Maybe I made a huge mistake by not using this dinner as a time for the two of us to talk and get on the same page. I just panicked at the thought of being alone with her.

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