Chapter Seventy-Eight

Taking a deep inhale, I trekked through the grass and up the steps to the deck, following Gary through the slider and into the kitchen.

All the food from the previous day had been tossed out, the counters cleaned of clutter and ready to be filled with a new batch of appetizers and entrees for Gary’s party. 

Tonight will be different than the work party Gary held yesterday. Some of our bigger clients and fellow partners. Even Gary’s lawyer would make an appearance. I’d shoot my mother a text, just to make sure she still had plans with someone else. I didn’t need her to surprise me and show up in the backyard. She’d notice my attraction toward Kelsey immediately.

Gary poured black coffee into a mug. “Want to join me on the porch?”

“Sure, thanks,” I said, following him out onto the deck. We both sat in the loungers, the lake out in front of us.

“Can’t beat this view,” he sighed, taking