Page 50 of At First Catch

Mom asked if you’re allergic to anything before dinner tonight.

I stare at the message, then sigh.

Of course, Claire Wright already considers my attendance confirmed.

Me

Your family operates like a small government.

Hadley

Accurate.

Me

Is dinner mandatory?

Hadley

Technically? Yes.

Jesus Christ.

The same phrasing Holt used earlier.

Me

You’ve all been trained.

Hadley

Survival instinct.

I lean against the dock railing, smiling despite myself while sunset light spills gold across the water.

Me

I’m beginning to think your mother scares me.

Hadley

She’ll love that.

Me

That was not intended positively.

Hadley

Doesn’t matter.

Three dots appear again.

Disappear.

Hadley

She’s excited you’re coming.