Page 36 of For the First Time

“Oh, Eve, good.Why weren’t you answering?”

“I did answer.”

“After several rings.What were you doing?”

“Eating dinner.I didn’t have my phone nearby.”

“Ah, you’re so good, not eating with your phone.I’m glad you’re so comfortable with your own company.”

I leaned against the back of the couch, waving at the males to go back to their dinner.I’d spent all day marinating sesame chicken and paired it with white rice, garlic broccoli, and an egg drop soup that was surprisingly good since I’d never made it before.It was something I’d always ordered from a restaurant, but I was surprised to see how easy it was to make at home.

None of the males moved.

“Well, actually—”

I didn’t get to correct Mama Mary before the phone was taken from her and my other mom’s voice said, “Eve, you know what’s coming up, don’t you?”

“Hi, Momma Abigail.No, I don’t know.”

She gasped like I’d offended her, which quickly set me on alert.I thought she was going to tell me, not sincerely asking me.

“Wait, I have my planner, I’ll look.”

I didn’t even manage to turn around and dig through my purse before Momma Abigail sighed like I was the biggest disappointment.“It’s Chloe’s bonding anniversary this year.Ten years.”

“Right, yes, I knew that, but it isn’t for a few more months.”

“Yes, well, parties don’t happen overnight.You know this.You’re an expert at planning and organizing.”

I preened at that, my smile wide only to drop when I noticed none of pack Wilder was smiling.They were all standing around, most likely waiting for me to tell them what was going on.I tried to wave them off toward the dining room again but none of them moved.Quickly putting Momma on mute, I told them, “It’s my parent pack.You all go eat before it gets cold.”

The three of them shared a look, and then Atlas and Oaks left, leaving just Everett and me.

“Are you listening to me, Eve?”Momma Abigail demanded.

Crap.Quickly unmuting the phone, I told her, “Sorry, I lost you for a second.I can hear you now.”

“Lost me?Where are you that your connection is no good?I thought you were still in that apartment downtown.Near the financial district?”

“I am.I mean I live there, but I’m not home right now.”

“Where is she, then?”someone in the background yelled.

“Where are you?”Momma Abigail repeated.

“I’m still at my boss’ place.”Glancing up at Everett who was looking at me with a single lifted eyebrow, I amended.“Well, it’s kind of confusing since he’s my boss but he’s also courting me—”

“Eve, sweetheart.”

“Hey, Deborah-Ma.”

“Yes, hi.Why didn’t you tell us you were still working?You made it sound like you were the one enjoying dinner.Are you a private chef now?”

“Don’t distract her if she’s working,” Dad called out in the back.

“No, you’re right.Eve, we need you to take care of your sister’s party.You’re so good with the decorations and organizing everything.You’ll do that, right?It’s the big one-oh celebration.It needs to be perfect.”

“Yeah, sure.I’ll get in touch with Chloe and see what she wants to do.”