“Sawyer Grace,” Mama cries out. “You better stop behaving like we didn’t raise you to have manners, young lady.”

Fuck my life. That’s the second time she’s middle-named me in front of him.

“We were just about to sit down for supper,” she tells Cole. “You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

Like hell he is. “No—”

“I’d love to,” Cole interjects.

Of course he would.

Because the stubborn jerk is determined to get his way.

I can tell my father is sizing him up as he trudges to the kitchen table.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out he’s not a fan—especially when Cole makes the mistake of taking his seat at the head of the table.

Dumbass.

My father clears his throat. Loudly. “You planning on being my seat warmer during the meal?”

Fortunately, Cole gets the hint and quickly moves to the seat directly across from me.

The three of us sit in awkward silence while my mom brings the food to the table.

Normally I’d help, but I don’t want her to start poking and prying.

Plus, I need to keep a close eye on Cole, who’s looking mighty pleased with himself.

Smug bastard.

I’m relieved when Mama joins us. It will be hard to talk when everyone’s stuffing their faces.

Nerves rattle my belly as I watch Cole pile food on his plate. I’m not ashamed of where I come from, but it’s unnerving to be eating dinner with someone who has maids and private chefs at his disposal.

My mother’s a great cook, but he’s not going to be impressed with her pot roast and mashed potatoes when he can have filet mignon served to him on a gold platter every night.

Same can be said for me. Everyone’s going to wonder why he picked me when he can have any girl he wants.

Clearly Colton didn’t think his plan through very well.

All the more reason for me to decline the offer to be his fake girlfriend.

I grab a roll from the basket. They just came from the oven so they’re warm and extra delicious.

Mama clears her throat. “Are you sure you want to eat that?”

My cheeks heat with embarrassment. It’s bad enough that she criticizes me when we’re alone, but to do it in front of Cole of all people.

I silently pray for a sinkhole to open up and swallow me, but alas, it doesn’t.

The big man upstairs must have more important stuff to deal with.

I drop the roll back into the basket. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Not to be rude, but why shouldn’t she eat that?” Cole questions.

Oh, no.

Surprise illuminates Mama’s features, but she quickly laughs it off. “Because carbs are the devil.” Crinkling her nose, she adds, “It’s a girl thing, you wouldn’t understand.”

“Actually,” Cole counters. “As a football player, I know a lot about nutrition, and carbs are necessary for energy. I’m sure you’re well aware of how hectic Sawyer’s schedule is. If she stops eating carbs, she’ll be tired and less productive. As her mom, I know you wouldn’t want that to happen because you want the best for her.” Glowering, he takes a huge bite of his own roll. “Right?”

I practically choke on my pot roast.

The only person who’s ever told her to lay off me is my father, and the last time he did it practically caused a civil war.

Mama kept screaming that I was going to have health problems and eat myself into an early grave, and Daddy kept yelling that I was just big-boned, and my baby fat would go away soon.

It was utterly humiliating.

I was so depressed I scarfed down three chocolate bars I’d hidden in my bedroom.

Mama looks down at the tablecloth. I can’t tell if she’s ashamed or fighting the urge to kick him out. “Of course I want what’s best for my daughter.”

The harsh look my father has been giving Cole since he walked through the door eases up a bit. “I played some football back in the day.”

I breathe easier. Football is a safe subject.

Cole’s eyes light up like the Fourth of July. “Oh yeah? That’s awesome. What position did you play?”

He beams a little. “Left guard.”

Cole reaches across the table to give him a fist bump. “Respect. You guys take a lot of punishment on the field.”

Daddy nods. “Damn straight.” Judgment swirls in his big brown eyes. “If I had to take a gander, I’d say you’re the quarterback.”

An arrogant smile unfurls. “That obvious, huh?”

“Yes.”

The ice in my dad’s tone makes it clear he didn’t mean it as a compliment.

“So, how did y’all meet?” Mama asks, breaking up the tension.

“We go to school together,” I remind her.

She rolls her eyes. “I know that, Sawyer Grace. What I meant was, how did you two start dating? And how come you never mentioned having a boyfriend before?”

Here we go.

It’s time to clear things up. “We’re not—”

“Official yet,” Cole cuts in. “Sawyer insisted I had to meet her parents before she agreed to be my girlfriend.”

My mom looks at me like I’m crazy. “Really?”

Daddy’s eyes crinkle at the corners. “Good to know one of my daughters still cares what her old man thinks.”

He’s obviously still hurt about Catherine’s fiancé going to my mother for permission and leaving him out altogether.

“Dan,” Mama grits through her teeth. “This isn’t the time.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles.

Mama looks around the table until her eyes land on me. “Your birthday is coming up soon. Is there anything special you want to do?”

Yeah…sleep.

Truth be told, I haven’t thought much about it. My parents don’t have the money to do anything fancy and I don’t want to be a burden.

“I don’t know. I was hoping we could do something small here. Maybe dinner and cake?”

Concern washes over Daddy’s expression. “Are you sure? It’s a big day, Sawyer. You only turn eighteen once.”

“I’m sure, Daddy.”

“Gosh, I still can’t believe it,” Mama gushes. “Seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital and fighting over your name.”

Yup, it’s definitely time to change the topic of conversation.

“Time flies when you’re having fun, huh? Anyway—”

“When’s your birthday?” Cole interjects.

My stomach does that weird flippy thing before it falls to the floor.

I wave a hand dismissively. “It’s not important. Don’t worry about it.”

“Of course it’s important,” Daddy argues.

“What in the world has gotten into you, Sawyer?” my mother prods.

Oh, hell.

“November seventh.”

His gaze burns through me like thermite through metal. “That’s a great day.” Shifting his stare, he plants a big smile on his gorgeous face. “It’s my birthday too.”

No, it’s not.

Liam’s death must have been excruciating for everyone who loved him…but his death didn’t erase Cole.