Before I Knew (The Cabots #1)(50)

“I’m so glad you came.” Truthfully, Colby was grateful not to be confronted by Mr. Morgan’s glare tonight, until she stopped to consider Alec’s feelings. Being ignored by his father must sting, no matter how much he pretended it didn’t. Did that buried disappointment drive him? Was it what fed his temper? That possibility planted a thorny ache in her chest. “My mother’s in the bar if you’d like to say hello.”

If Mrs. Morgan didn’t want to, she faked it pretty well. “Who’s the gentleman friend?”

“Richard.” Colby considered mentioning the Snickers lie, but why inflame her mother’s already ridiculous reputation? There shouldn’t be any reason for Snickers to come up tonight. Let sleeping dogs lie. Colby chuckled to herself at that thought. “Enjoy the night.”

Colby’s father and Jenna had arrived while she’d been speaking with Alec’s mom. Her dad leveled a cool look at Jake over the rim of his champagne glass. Shoot. Seating Gentry with him might’ve been a mistake.

Meanwhile, Hunter had been only marginally happier to sit with their mom and Richard. He’d scoffed when Colby had “reminded” him not to forget about their dearly departed dog. Sara, thankfully, smiled and promised to make him put down his phone and converse. A reprimand Alec would never require, she thought with a grin.

Todd breezed through the door with Jacqui, Craig, and John, some of Colby’s former colleagues, carrying a bouquet of pink and white roses. He kissed her cheek. “Congratulations.”

“These are beautiful. Thank you.” Thoughtful, sweet, candid, steady. Apparently, these traits alone were not enough to make her heart patter. “Thank you all for coming.”

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Todd smiled. Tonight’s bow tie featured a turquoise background littered with tiny snails. She’d hand him this much: he wore it well.

“Becca will seat you, and I’ll catch up with you a little later.” She left the group with the hostess and went to put the flowers in water. Most women loved roses. Colby favored less formal flowers, like the tulips Alec had given her a few weeks ago.

She returned to the dining area to observe the waitstaff as each took dinner orders and delivered starter plates with items like Poached Marrons on a Crab Pillow with Truffle Emulsion, and Warm Artichoke Panaché with Vegetable Risotto with Lemon Emulsion. Watching them in action—moving in unison in intricate patterns—made her think of an old-fashioned quadrille. So far, no missteps. Her attention, however, lapsed when her father cornered her on his way back from the restroom.

“Things are going well, honey. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“I know it hasn’t been easy for you with Alec.” He gently rubbed her back, blessedly unaware of the complicated ways Alec affected Colby. “I see Julie Morgan came without Frank.”

“I assume he didn’t want to see me.”

“It’s not your fault.” Her father kissed her temple.

“I know, but he’s still grieving over Joe. He needs someone to blame, and I’m the only one left. I only wish Alec got some support from his father.”

“You can’t fix everything for everyone. Focus on your own goals.” She must’ve frowned again, because he waved a hand. “Let’s change the subject. How’s Gentry working out? Is she pulling her weight or just wasting time like she is with this Jake?”

“She’s helping.” Colby glanced over her dad’s shoulder to watch the floor. “Really, Dad. She is. Go easy on Jake. I think she’s using him to get to you and Jenna.”

“Why the hell does she want to needle me? I give her everything.” He scowled. “She should kiss my damn feet.”

“If she lacks perspective, maybe her life’s been too easy. Don’t be mad at her for that.” Colby struggled to see beyond her dad’s tall frame.

“It’s not like you and Hunter had rough lives,” he griped.

“No, but our family broke apart. And we didn’t grow up in the McMansion with the pool and endless shopping sprees and a car at sixteen and . . .” Something in her periphery caught her attention. “Can we talk about this later, please? I need to pay attention to what’s going on.”

“Of course.” He patted her shoulder and returned to his table.

While she milled around the tables to observe and eavesdrop, Todd grabbed her hand.

“Sit with us.” He gestured toward the open chair at their table.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Come on . . . a few minutes.” His earnest grin, and the fact her friends had come out of their way for her, broke her down.