“He has a good job now,” I said.
“An entry-level marketing position in Columbus isn’t a career, Elena. It’s a starting job.” Damon slammed his laptop shut. “I just don’t want him wasting money trying to impress people.”
I set the iron down and smoothed my shirt sleeve one last time. “He’s trying to impress me.”
Damon didn’t answer. He stood up, took the hanger from my hand, and carried the shirt toward the hallway without thanking me.
By four o’clock, the iron had cooled and was returned to the pantry. I stood in the dining room, watching the dust motes float in the pale October sun. My phone vibrated on the sideboard.
It was a text from Jake. “I’m just leaving Columbus. We should be at the restaurant by 6:45. Are you leaving soon?”
My hand hovered over the keyboard. I knew how much work Jake had put into organizing this dinner with Lily and Noah. Lily had spent three weeks trying to find a table by the fireplace, and Noah had saved up his tips from the hardware store to buy a gift.
