Officially, two weeks ago. But technically, they’d been over long before that.

“Mom,” Justine growled.

“Oh, honey, you know you’re over him.”

“I am, but this isn’t something we need to be talking about over dinner.”

Ted snorted. “You’re too good for him. You’ll find someone else.”

Mallory beamed up at her fiancé. “She is, Ted. You’re so right.”

“I’m not looking for anyone else.” Justine fought to keep her voice pleasant while refusing to look at the men on either side of her. “I’m happy living on my own and being single.”

“Good for you,” Cal said, surprising her. “So many people jump from one relationship to the next. My brother did that. Married too quickly and is getting divorced next month.”

“Bummer.” Nick shook his head. “But I don’t think being with someone is a bad thing. You get all the feels and meet needs. Take the financial aspect, for instance.”

Her father leaned in, his eyes sparkling. “Yes, let’s talk about financial stability, Nick. Go on.”

Justine swallowed a sigh and took a long sip of her wine while Nick and her father traded common investment strategies overlooked by most of the workforce. Then Angela explained how she and Scott had been saving, which had Ted asking more questions and Mallory trying to keep up while their mother glowed with approval.

Keeping quiet felt safe, so Justine finished her meal then excused herself for a side trip upstairs, needing a break. She dialed Katie but had to leave a voice message. In a low voice, she said, “The next time I even think about going to my parents for Sunday dinner, tie me up and shove me in my closet. Ring me later. Gotta go.”

She heard Mallory calling for her and quickly pocketed her phone. “I’m coming. Just had to respond to a message.”

“What message?” Mallory entered the hallway where Justine had been hiding. Like her sisters, Mallory had dark hair and dark eyes. Pretty, she and Angela took after their mother, their looks softer, whereas Justine had the eagle eyes and features of her father. Which was a joke, because clearly Angela was more bird of prey and Justine more chicken.

“Oh, nothing important. Just something Katie sent.”

“How’s she doing?” Mallory looped her arm around Justine’s and tugged her back toward the stairs.

“She’s good. Still likes working for the company. But she got a new boss, so she’s not dealing with a jerk like I am.”

Mallory gave her a sympathetic squeeze. “That’s tough. I’m lucky Dad put me with a good team.” She leaned closer. “I think I’d lose it if I had to work under Angela.”

Justine chuckled. “Hard-ass Hanover’s oldest is a real chip off the block. I’ve heard that so many times before.”

“No kidding.” Mallory walked down with her. “I know you weren’t expecting Cal or Nick tonight. But honestly, I don’t think Mom’s trying to set you up. Dad had something come up today he was working on with the new guys, and then Angela mentioned inviting them to dinner.”