I opened my mouth to defend my sobriety, but I knew that he knew I was on my fourth drink. Still. I wasn’t about to vomit or pass out. “I’m just buzzed,” I insisted as his phone rang.

He glanced at it and muttered, “Here we go again,” but didn’t answer.

“Maybe you should take that.” It wasn’t the first or even third time his phone had rung tonight. He’d excused himself from the dinner table at least twice. Besides, it was like a curtain had gone down and I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere with him tonight anyway. “Especially if it’s the same person who’s been calling all night. We can continue this discussion later…when I’m sober.” It was no use. He’d already walked away. I threw my hands up in surrender and released a heavy sigh.

Speaking of phones, I hadn’t even looked at mine all night. I removed it from my purse. My mom had texted twice.

What time do you think you’ll be home tomorrow?

I cocked my head. I was going home tomorrow? Was I so drunk I didn’t remember finishing my story?

Can you guys stop and pick up a jar of honey and maybe another bottle of wine on your way? I’m working in the morning and then cooking all afternoon.

“Is it safe to rejoin the conversation?” Kate said, scanning the room, presumably for Finn.

I glanced up from my phone. “What’s tomorrow?”

Kate blinked rapidly before slapping her hand against her mouth. “I forgot to tell you! I’m giving you a ride home, so you won’t miss Rosh Hashanah dinner. Don’t worry, Diego and I will drive you back later.”

“Oh shit.” Mom and I weren’t observant enough to go to temple, but we did honor all the major holidays, the Jewish New Year being one of them. We always invited friends, including Kate, over for a celebratory dinner. I’d forgotten all about it, too wrapped up in my business in Pleasant Hollow and Finn, who hadn’t come back yet. “Where’s Finn?”

Kate smoothed a hand through her ponytail—the hairdo a clear indication the night was on its last legs. “When I left, you guys were in heated conversation over the status of your relationship.” She raised her eyebrows. “What did I miss?”

My dad is the parent you don’t bring the girl home to. “So much, and yet not nearly enough.”

She scrunched her nose. “Huh?”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Seven

You were right about the bacon.” Kate chomped loudly for emphasis. “Tasty!”

“You can have the rest of mine,” I said, sliding my plate across the table. It was the next day, and we were having an early lunch at Pinkie’s. Only, I had no appetite.

Kate studied me, her lips pursed in concern. “Are you okay?”