Amber checked her phone every few minutes
Marcus stepped inside wearing a tailored navy blazer.
He held a bottle of wine wrapped in gold paper.
Amber rushed to greet him.
“You made it,” she said.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
I caught the way she looked up at him, and something tightened in my chest before I pushed the feeling away.
Amber rushed to greet him.
He was her boss and mentor.
They worked together every day.
That was all.
“Come meet everyone,” she said brightly, leading him into the dining room.
I followed behind, balancing two fresh drinks in my hands.
My parents stood to shake his hand.
He was her boss and mentor.
Our neighbors Lisa and Tom waved from across the table.
“This is Marcus,” Amber announced. “The reason I got promoted.”
“Oh, please,” he chuckled. “She did all the work. I just signed the paperwork.”
Polite laughter rippled through the room.
I handed him a glass and forced a smile.
“Glad you could join us,” I told him.
“The reason I got promoted.”
“Beautiful home,” he replied, glancing around. “You’ve got great taste.”
