Page 60 of Forgotten Sacrifice

“Why are you being nice all of a sudden?” I demand.

“We sometimes disagree about what’s best for you, but that isn’t me being ‘not nice.’”

“Sometimes?” I snort.

His lips quirk. “Where to?”

Grabbing my phone from my purse, I read him the club address.

“I don’t know this club,” Vince says dismissively.

“Come on, you can’t back out on me now! It’s my friend’s birthday!”

“Which friend?”

“Olivia,” I tell him.

“The troublemaker,” he says disapprovingly. “Luna, you are the company you keep.”

“So I’m a middle-aged shylock?” I goad him.

He snorts a laugh.

“Why are you not married?” Guarantee Sophie’s got awedding dress and venue on standby. Realizing I’ve balled my hands into fists, I unclench them.

“Don’t change the subject,” he chastises. “These rich kid friends of yours have nothing to lose, so that makes them trouble. They’ll always have a safety net of their trust funds. You don’t have that luxury.”

“You’re the one who chose that school,” I point out.

“A mistake on my part,” Vince says. “I wanted you to be at a school with the best chess program, but it wasn’t worth the other shit that came along with it. Bottom line is you’re going to get your diploma and focus all your attention on your chess game.”

“Glad you’ve got my entire life planned out,” I say crossly.

“Somebody has to,” he chides. “Bring home wins. And then you can rid yourself of me.”

I clasp my hands together. “Oh happy day.”

“Just be careful, Luna, about being so focused on reaching the top,” Vince warns.

“Why?”

“Because there’s nothing there.”

“What are you talking about?” I say incredulously. “Everything’s at the top.”

Before he can explain, the GPS guides us to turn into a warehouse parking lot.

“And this is why I’m not familiar with this club, because it’s not a club,” Vince announces.

“It’s a pop-up club,” I correct him.

“It’s a warehouse.”

“It’s a pop-up club in a warehouse. Please don’t ruin this for me,” I beg.

Vince parks and walks to my side, opening my door for me. He holds out his hand, and I reluctantly take it as I step out of the vehicle.

“So how is this going to work?” Realizing I’m still holding his hand, I let go.