Page 36 of Sins of the Father

The blue in his eyes darkens. “You just asked a loaded question. Can I answer it a different day?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.”

The waitress comes by with a tray of champagne.

Steven takes two and hands me one. “Cheers.”

I clink his glass. Anna comes over with Mitch. He has a moody look on his face, and Anna looks upset.

“Ma’am, can we have two more, please?” Steven asks the waitress, and she returns with two glasses. He hands a drink to each of them then sticks his hand out. “I’m Steven.”

Mitch takes a sip and nods.

Anna shakes it. “I’m Chase’s sister, Anna. This is my boyfriend, Mitch.”

“Quinn’s brother, Steven.”

“Nice to meet you,” she says.

Mitch stays quiet, and Steven’s expression turns neutral.

Xander, Charlotte, Piper, and Noah join us. The waitress comes by with bruschetta appetizers, and everyone takes one. Mitch takes two and stuffs one into his mouth.

Steven picks up the last one and hands it to me. “Here, have mine.”

“I’m okay. You take it.”

He looks at Mitch, who shoves the other one in his mouth. “No, I’m good.”

I take a bite then hold the other half to his mouth. “We can share. Here.”

He winks at me, takes a bite, and I’m once again in quiver land.

Charlotte clears her throat. “Anna, when do you go back?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Mitch says.

“I thought our flight is on Monday?”

“It was. I changed it today and bought commercial tickets.”

“What? Why?”

“Why not?”

“I was going to spend time with Chase and Vivian. Her mom is cooking Sunday dinner for us. I told you.”

He tilts his head and raises his eyebrow. “We’re going home tomorrow morning.”

Steven’s hand forms into a fist at his side. Noah crosses his arms, and Xander scowls at Mitch. Charlotte, Piper, and I exchange glances.

“I haven’t seen my brother or Vivian in a few months.”

“Deal with it. I need another drink.” He finishes his champagne and saunters off.

Anna’s eyes fill with tears.

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