“They played in a soccer tournament all day. They were exhausted. Can I get you anything to drink?” He motioned for us to follow him into the living room. It was an open floor plan and both Hayley and I aimed for Parker in the kitchen. She pulled something out of the oven and I was able to study her for a moment without her seeing me. She wore a red V-neck cashmere sweater and high-waisted jeans that hugged her curves. Her hair was pulled back in a casual ponytail and her accessories were minimal. Grayson was wearing a dark blue button-up and jeans. They complemented each other well.

“We brought a nice red if it fits the meal.” Hayley handed Grayson the bottle.

When Parker put down the oven mitt and joined us, I felt my heart thud. She still had it. That undeniable hold over me. I knew Hayley felt it, too, because she tapped her foot against mine.

“Oh, my God. Hayley. What a nice surprise,” Parker said. She offered a hug, which Hayley accepted. Parker turned to hug me, too. It would have been too awkward to refuse so I bit down and held my breath as she gently pushed her body against mine. I forgot how tiny she was until I felt her in my arms again.

“Surprise! I’m Sutton’s date tonight,” Hayley said.

“Where’s Lexi?” Parker asked. She quickly intercepted Buttercup from jumping on us and sent her upstairs to be with the girls.

“We broke up,” I said.

Parker’s eyes widened. “I’m so sorry to hear that. You seemed so…” She dug around for the right word. “Connected.”

I barked out a laugh. “She didn’t like my work schedule or my dog so I had to kick her out.”

“You didn’t kick her out.” Hayley put her hands on her hips. “Lexi met somebody else because Sutton is apparently emotionally unavailable.”

“Or that,” I said, knowing Hayley was trying to make it sound like it wasn’t my fault, but in the process, made everything sound a lot worse. Grayson shot Parker a look. She returned it with an equally puzzling one. Hayley glanced my way and furrowed her brow. Great, Hayley was going to make something out of nothing.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Parker said. She meant it. Her features were pinched in concern for me and suddenly the dinner party felt more like a pity party.

“Really, it’s okay. We weren’t meant to be together. I don’t know why she moved with me to Connecticut.” I felt like a failure because I was talking to an ex and her husband about the woman who just left me.

“Well, I commend you for being professional at work. I had no idea you were going through anything personal.” Grayson shrugged. “I wish I had better control over my emotions.”