“Sloane.” I rattled off the other information, trying to digest my disappointment.

“All done.”

I rose first from my chair, then held out hers. She glanced up in surprise.

“I take manners seriously.”

“Clearly.”

“Thank you for keeping me company, Val.”

I couldn’t help myself and leaned in closer than was polite when she rose. The little sigh of surprise she let out was delicious.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Val

Friday dinners were a religion in the Connor family. I liked to call it regrouping time. No matter how shitty or exhausting a week, these few hours I spent surrounded by my siblings filled me with energy. I liked knowing what everyone was up to.

While I was cooking, Ethan called. I’d deleted him from my contacts list, and when I saw a random number calling, I answered thinking it could be related to the charity event.

“Hey, Val.”

I straightened as if someone had electrocuted me. “Ethan. Why are you calling?”

“Listen, I know we’ve had our differences—”

“You were cheating,” I said through gritted teeth, leaning against the counter.

“We never said we were exclusive.”

I blinked repeatedly as my insides twisted. It was true, he’d never specifically said we would be exclusive, but I’d always thought it was implied anyway. How could I have been so gullible? God, I was a moron... always dreaming, always hoping. Being cheated on stung like hell.

“What do you want?”

“Let’s start again with a clean slate.”

“Not interested.”

“Don’t be like that. We could talk about it. Tell you what. We can go out for dinner before the charity event.”

“You’re not coming to that.”

True, he’d been my plus one, but he thought he was still invited?

“Val, come on. You promised you’d introduce me to that producer.”

That was why he’d called? Because he was still hoping for that introduction? I felt so small. So small. I wasn’t going to allow anyone to make me feel that way.

“Ethan, in case it’s not clear, this is me revoking that invitation. Don’t call me again.”

I punched the End Call button, breathing in through my nose. I felt lost, but I had to pull myself together. My siblings would arrive for dinner in no time. They’d sniff me out instantly if I kept the long face, and I didn’t want our dinner to turn into moping hour.

Landon and I spoke briefly about my beef with Beauty SkinEssence when he arrived. I had no update, since I hadn’t heard from them since the mediation meeting three days ago. My twin had set up the company with me before moving on to do his own thing and becoming a wildly successful businessman.

When Hailey arrived, I worked on my poker face. To no avail.