MY EX'S UNCLE LOVES ME

hday S

y party, and she wanted everything to be perfect. The blue dress she wore accentuated her eyes and made her feel confident, even if onl

sing up close, with its grand columns and sprawling lawns. She took a deep breath and wa

ning," he said, pulling

eplied, her heart flutt

guests, laughter, and music. Frank introduced her to his family, who were polite but dist

oice low and serious, "I n

sensing the gravity in

e tonight?" he asked,

ank's reputation, but she had hoped he saw her differe

on his face. "I thought you ca

y. "Wait, Frank," she called, her voice t

playing on his lip

leaned in to kiss her, her phone rang. She

e this," she said, ste

ake's voice was frantic. "I

he urgency in his voice. "I'm on

ank asked, annoyance c

ke he's in trouble," she

ow?" Frank's frustr

aid, her voice firm

ove home, her mind racing with worry. When she arrived, Jake

emanded, relief and ang

he said simply. "Go to bed.

ng, as she descended the stairs, she was stunned to see a stran