At least he had the decency not to say his name.

“Darling, we would never interfere,” Mother says, her expression reminding me of a sweet angel.

It’s a bit of a lie, though. As soon as Cassie comes around, Mother will sink her claws into her and never let her go. I make it sound evil and nefarious when it’s really not. My mother can just be…clingy sometimes. She wants what’s best for us, but she’s also relentless.

“Sure,” Palmer says with an easygoing smile. “I wanted to have her over for dessert later—”

“Yes! Have her come over right now!” Mother encourages.

“She’ll get here around five or so,” Palmer says. “Can’t wait for you all to meet Cassie.”

I frown, realization dawning. “Wait a minute. Does she work at Noteworthy?”

Palmer frowns as well, slowly nodding. “She does.”

“I totally know her! Well, we’re not close or anything, but I know her since Caroline is her boss, and Caroline is one of my best friends,” I explain, my mind going over the few times I’ve met Cassie. Cute. Sweet. Caroline has zero complaints about her. Says she’s a hard worker. “Such a small world.”

“It is,” Palmer says, seemingly uncomfortable.

But why? It’s not like I’m good friends with Cassie. Maybe he wants to keep her all to himself, and forget all the outside influences? I can understand that. Our immediate family might be small but the rest of our family is big—and nosy.

The remaining conversation at the dinner table is all about Palmer and his new girlfriend, meaning I can breathe again. I hate when the focus is on me. And it’s been on me for years. I knew they’d talk about my breakup and I’m surprised they didn’t ask me if there’s a new man in my life. I’d have to tell them no.

Thank you, Palmer, for the distraction.

When dinner is mostly over and I’m helping clear the table, Palmer corners me in the kitchen. “How close are you to Cassie?” he asks, not holding back whatsoever.

I frown as I nudge past him and head straight for the sink, setting the stack of plates I gathered in to be rinsed. “Not very close at all. I only know her through Caroline.”

“She doesn’t hang out with your friend group?” Palmer’s brows shoot up.

“No, not really.” Not ever. We’re pretty tight, though I’m sure we’d take her in if we could.

He practically sags with relief. “Okay. Cool.”

“Why? Would you have a problem if we were friends?” I ask, my voice sharp.

Palmer glances over his shoulder before he speaks. As if he’s making sure no spies are nearby. “She’s never really mentioned you beyond knowing you were friends with Caroline. I would’ve been kind of mad if you two were actually friends and she never said anything.”

Okay. Valid.

“And plus…after seeing what the family did to you about your relationship with…”

It’s my turn to hold up my hand. “Don’t say his name.”