365 The Wise Woman

(Winona)

Hugo hesitates, but under the weight of everyone’s expectations, he finally sits down, the beer still in hand. He takes a sip, and I swear I see him wince. He swallows like it has razor blades in it.

The whole scene is comical—Hugo, ever the formal assistant, sitting here with us, trying to look like this isn’t the most uncomfortable situation he’s been in.

Everyone else raises their glasses and goes back to their conversations. I separate a little from the women and stay close to Jayden for now.

Jayden chuckles softly. “Now that you’re settled, how are the plans coming along for the welcome party I promised Abby and Winona?”

Hugo stiffens again, clearing his throat. “The welcome party, monsieur?”

Jayden raises an eyebrow. “You do remember the family party I promised Abby over the phone at my welcome dinner, right? I asked you to look into organizing it.”

Hugo’s face pales slightly. “I… may have overlooked that particular detail. There were pressing matters concerning the Lon