Page 111 of Anton

Thora

No boning will be had on this trip, but thanks for thinking of my vagina.

Blair

Always. Friends don’t let friends go dry. But seriously, get out there. Live a little. Just not with people like him.

Thora

Thanks for the concern. Gotta go. Almost at my parents’.

By the time the limo glides into a spot outside the mansion, Mama is already hurrying down the front steps. She grins from ear to ear as we climb out, her dark hair tied in a ponytail and the faint lines beside her eyes deepening.

“My girls.” She gathers me in her arms first, and the instant she holds me, I realize just how much I’ve missed her.

Mama and I have always been close. She understands me better than anyone else in the family, and I can tell her anything because there’s a gentleness to her, even when she’s angry.

“Oh, I missed you two.” She smooths a hand over my back before turning to embrace Greer. “I have lunch ready. I’m sure you’re starving.”

“We’re fine,” Greer says, hugging her right back.

Mama makes a disapproving sound as she steps away. “You need to eat. Both of you are getting too thin.”

Greer mouths here we go over Mama’s shoulder, amusement lifting the corners of her mouth. The driver carries our bags inside, and the moment we enter, the scent of garlic and something savory fills the house.

“There they are.” Daddy appears in the foyer with his arms outstretched and a broad grin on his face.

I go straight into his embrace, and he presses a kiss to the top of my head the way he used to when I was little. When we separate, I notice the gray around his temples, more of it than the last time I saw him. It’s hard not to recognize that they’re getting older and one day I won’t have them anymore.

The thought brings a sting to my chest.

“You girls have your dresses for tomorrow’s gala, right?” Mama asks as we head to the den. “Everyone will be there, so we have to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.”

“Yep.” Greer lowers herself onto the cream leather sofa.

I remain standing, wondering whether either of them will mention Zachary Peterson or save the ambush for tomorrow. Daddy takes the chair across from Greer while Mama twists her fingers together in her lap, the same nervous habit I inherited from her. She probably wants to tell me, but has no idea where to begin.

One of the housekeepers brings in a tray of cheese and crackers, along with a pitcher of iced tea, sets it on the coffee table, pours some into glasses, and disappears out of view.

When I sit in the empty armchair, my father stretches his arms out and gives me one of those grins he uses on business partners or someone he’s trying to butter up. I know before he says anything that this is definitely about Zachary.

“So, Thora, your mom and I were talking about your future, and we think it’s time for you to consider someone stable. A man you can build a life with.”

Greer sucks in a breath.

“Okay.” I hold out a hand. “Let me stop you right there, Daddy.” I set my glass back down. “I’m not looking for a husband, and I can find my own boyfriends.”

He nods, his grin growing. “Of course you can, honey. You’re an amazing woman. But it doesn’t hurt to weigh your options. I don’t know if you remember Zachary Peterson, but he asked about you, and your mama and I thought, why not make the proper introduction tomorrow? If you don’t like him, then that’s the end of it.”

Fuck me. I shouldn’t have come. I thought being home might help after everything with Anton, but now I’m not so sure it was worth it.

Shaking my head, I lean back. “You do realize I’m only twenty-five and you have a bunch of sons to set up? Plus…” I throw a thumb toward Greer. “A daughter eight years older than me.”

Greer scoffs. “Oh, please. Daddy knows if he ever tries setting me up with anyone, the man will end up dead.”

Mama blows out a breath. “That’s my darlin’ daughter for ya.”

Greer shrugs, a smirk on her face. “I’m many things, but dishonest isn’t one of them.”