Chapter 11

The next night . . .

Derek had called his mother that morning to inform her he was coming over for dinner and he was bringing a guest.

“That’s fine, darling. In that case, we’ll have cocktails before dinner instead of after. Bring your . . . guest over at seven,” her mother had said.

When the Dawsons had guests for dinner, they always had before dinner cocktails for socializing.

Derek had picked up Chelsea at the estate. Considering what happened last night, he just waited for her in his yellow Ferrari.

They rode in silence until they got on the interstate.

“So, has the news settled in the Van Dyke household?” Derek asked.

“Not really. Daddy wouldn’t come down for breakfast. He just left for the office without saying goodbye to anyone. Chastity . . . Well, she had said she knew I did something stupid in New Orleans and walked away. Caitlin and Mother are trying to be supportive, though.”