Page 48 of Pick Six

“I bet he did.”

Fucking Dave, being so helpful.

“There’s a no liquids or food in this room rule.” I nod to the sign on the door.

“Yes. We already had an ice cream incident last month,” Scarlett grumbles.

He takes another step back into the hallway, smiling as he disappears beyond sight.

I sigh and look at Scarlett, quirking a brow up in accusation.

“Sorry.” She has the decency to look remorseful for encouraging the discussion we were having. I take a deep breath and make my way out to face the music.

TWENTY-SIX

Alex

When she walksout into the hall, she’s managed to compose herself. I hold the drink holder out so she can choose one and she seems grateful to be able to look at something other than me.

“Is this an iced macchiato?” She raises an eyebrow in question.

“Yes. With caramel. The barista said you might like that one.”

She plucks it carefully from the cardboard and takes a tentative sip, her eyes still glued to it like it’s the most interesting thing she’s seen all day.

“Thank you. This was thoughtful.” She holds up the cup and gives a half smile.

“Got a place we can put the rest?”

“There’s a break room down here.” She nods but pauses before she heads that way. “Scarlett I’m going to have him put these in the lunchroom. Can you see if anyone wants one?”

“Sure thing,” Scarlett calls back.

I follow her down the hallway into a small room with a fridge and a microwave. One that looks more like a closet than a break room and set the coffees down on the table. She takes another little sip of the one she has in her hand.

“Are you sure this is going to work for your parents?” She motions to her black pencil skirt and blouse. “I don’t feel like it’s nice enough for anything they’d be doing. What is this thing anyway?”

“Dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes. The meal you eat at the end of the day.”

“I know, but I mean… dinner with other people or dinner like we’re having dinner with your parents?”

“The last one.”

“Alex! You said a thing. I thought they were having some event where there’d be lots of people. This is the kind of thing I need to prep for. You need to tell me more about your family. Your dad is… something else. I need to be wearing something that looks like I tried, not this. And I should have prepared talking points for the museum.”

“You handled Drew’s parents fine. You can handle mine. You look gorgeous, as always, and I’ve also heard you talk this place up plenty. With him you’re better off talking off the cuff than trying to come in prepared anyway. You act like you have talking points and he thinks he’s on the debate stage.

“Something you’ve encountered before I take it?” She raises her eyebrow at me.

“Being his kid, it came with the territory.”

“I see.”

“I really would have liked to wear something nicer though.”