The dinner was supposed to be a cozy affair, just a casual meal to catch up and chat. But in the
end, things took an unexpected turn, leaving everyone a tad uneasy.
Jeffrey barely touched his food before excusing himself with the 'urgent business at the office' line
and made his exit.
Once the door had closed behind the last of the guests, Dorothy murmured, âI'm not holding a
grudge against Jeffrey. If Karen really had a thing for him, my opinion wouldnât matter. But sheâs
made it clear that sheâs not into his playboy ways.â
âI get it. You donât have to explain,â Everett said. He understood her concern all too well.
Yet he couldn't help but think that Jeffrey had really blown it this time.
He had never seen him like this before!
As a longtime friend, Everett wanted to lend a hand to Jeffrey, but the guy had to go and fall for
Dorothyâs protégé â Karen, the untouchable. What help could he possibly offer now?
After everyone had left, Everett asked Kevin to take the kids, Abigail and Langston, back to their
place at Bay Residence.
âGo with them. Iâll just grab something from Kenneth and Iâll be right there.â
Dorothy watched the kids pile into the car, but hesitated to follow.
âIâll come with you,â she offered.
âWorried Iâll take a swing at Kenneth?â Everettâs voice was calm, but it was the eerie calm before a
storm.
He had every intention of just saying thanks, but seeing Dorothy so protective was igniting a rage
he was struggling to contain.
He hated the idea of her worrying about the other man.
Dorothy took Everett's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, âI'm just worried you two might clash.â
She knew Kenneth well enough â all polished manners and gentle smiles, but with a temper
beneath that composed surface. And today, of all days, he must be in a foul mood. A confrontation
with Everett would just brew trouble that no one could contain, and the two men were not exactly
equals in a fight.
âWho would you be more worried about getting hurt in a clash?â Everett asked, despite himself.
Kenneth was like a thorn in his side, uncomfortable and irksome whenever touched.
âItâs you of course! Youâre still recovering from your injury.â
His eyebrow quirked in challenge, âYou think I canât beat him?â
âYou can!â Dorothy assured hastily, âIâve never doubted that. Youâve got the height advantage and
all, but youâre still healing from a through-and-through!â
âSo, youâd be worried for me?â
âDuh.â Dorothy rolled her eyes and looped her arm through his, âIâm coming with you. Itâs not just
you who should thank him. I should too.â
Avoiding the issue wouldn't solve anything, and she still had to convince Kenneth to let go and find
himself a girlfriend.
Everett looked into her eyes, searching for any trace of affection for Kenneth. Finding none, his
irritation eased slightly.
âAlright, letâs go together.â
They got into the car Kevin had ready for them, and Dorothy dialed Kenneth's number.
âKenneth, Iâm on my way over to pick up some things.â
âAlright,â Kennethâs voice was as calm and smooth as ever, âIs Karen with you?â
âSheâs not. She went back to her parentsâ place.â
âOh,â There was a brief pause before he asked, âSo, who are you with?â
Dorothy glanced at Everett, who was watching her intently.
Just making a call, and she could feel the tension radiating off him, nothing like someone about to
express gratitude.
âI'm with Everett.â
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