•25• Priscilla

"Actually, Ms. Southerford,” Ruben says out of the blue, making every person swivel their heads his way. He pushes that hoe forward by a step. "This is Gerrard's guest. Priscilla is with me."

I know Ruben said the wrong thing when Gerrard’s eyes practically glow with fury. “They both are with me, Ma. That’s Hannah. You see, the person she came to the office party with left her for someone else, so I decided to tag her along.”

Ms. Southerford beams. “That was so sweet of you, honey. Now, come bring your date insid-”

“Actually, my sweet,” Smith interrupts, wrapping an arm around his girlfriend’s shoulder. “Ruben’s quite right. I, myself, took it upon me to invite Priscilla to our family dinner, as Ruben’s date, no less. You know how lonely he gets on family nights.”

I don’t know if my eyes are weak or the dark’