“They’re always tense. I don’t know how Grayson and Stella do it.”

I look around the room and spot another Parkerson. God, I hope Delia isn’t here, or this will be bad for everyone. “Are you all here tonight?”

Alex laughs once. “You mean is Grayson here tonight?”

“I didn’t ask that. I just saw Josh.”

The waiter is back, giving him another drink. He puts his glass down on the table, looking around the room. “We’re all in town. Oliver is leaving tonight, so you might get to see him before he goes. Josh and I are gone first thing in the morning.”

“Did you see Delia?”

“She’s here.”

“Great,” I mutter.

“Yeah, she saw Josh already and then told me she had to make a phone call.” Alex and Delia’s relationship went from best friends to estranged after Josh left. Alex and Josh look the most alike, and I didn’t think she could take it.

“I should go find her.”

He nods, grabs his drink, and takes a long sip. “I’m going to get another drink and avoid my parents as much as possible. It was good to see you, Jess.”

I give him another hug. “It’s always good to see you.”

He leaves, and I realize he didn’t say anything about Grayson. Not that it matters, but when I know I’m going to see him, there’s a level of preparation I feel is healthy.

I walk the room, talking to a few people from town I haven’t seen since I’ve been back. I focus a lot on breathing and keeping calm. It’s been the key to speaking without any missteps, and the more in control I am, the better.

“Jessica, I wasn’t sure you’d show,” Eveline says. She is gorgeous in a black cocktail dress. Of all the insults one could wield against her, her beauty isn’t one.

“Winnie is my sister and I wouldn’t miss this for her.”

She smiles at someone behind me. “We don’t normally allow staff here, but I guess it’s fine since it’s family and all. You’re not senior enough to attend otherwise.”

I bite my tongue, knowing that if I cause a scene it would be bad for me. The time I’ve worked at this job has helped me tremendously. It’s like physical therapy for my brain, and I won’t lose it unless it’s on my terms.

“Of course.” She clears her throat, obviously hoping I would’ve given her a different answer. I use her momentary discomfort for my benefit. “You look lovely, Mrs. Parkerson. Truly. As does the inn. I’m sure you’ll raise a lot of money for the charity.”

My mother always said the best way to beat a bully was with kindness. We’ll find out here.