Jakob took the crystal saltshaker and slid the base in a half circle. “When I have a shot, I know Con’s got my back and knows the next move I’ll make.”
“You should have gone to separate colleges,” their dad said. “Jakob, you’re holding yourself back because your brother didn’t get the same offer. That’s life.”
Conrad’s mouth tightened.
Piper was grateful for friends and family. That’s what she’d go with. Would interrupting now be welcoming or annoying? Or worse, given the topic, she might sound sarcastic. She stayed quiet. She wanted this to go well.
Mikah was growing tense beside her. He pointed at the twins, but he addressed Calista. “When you’re playing them, it’s like they’re in two places at once. A mind freak.”
Okay, that was interesting.
“Exactly,” Zee said. “If Coach would give them similar numbers, they’d be unstoppable.”
Mr. Czerski shook his head. The gratitude train rounds had definitely been derailed.
A silence settled over their table.
Before their group could recover and move back to giving thanks, Warren Applebaum went to the microphone at the front of the room. “I’m proud to be a part of this incredible winning organization.”
Piper stared at the stage with a polite social expression.
Oh. In front of her was Willow’s table. She hadn’t even noticed Willow until this moment, but Willow turned and stared back at her. Willow wore a low-cut, strawberry-red dress.
Piper forced herself to keep a pleasant smile. She wanted to take Mikah’s hand, but full-on realized that would be odd while her ex was talking. Like she needed his support or was bothered by Warren. She wasn’t.
Warren drew in a deep breath that was audible through the speakers. “I’ve made some mistakes this past year.”
No shit.
Willow’s expression turned hopeful, and she spun back around.
Now Piper saw the back of her angled pixie cut, which she preferred to her glare. Live and let live, lady. She could even stir up some sympathy for Willow. Had to be difficult to have everyone in the room know about the failed wedding.
Dodo climbed the steps on the side of the stage.
Even though his brother was in the wings to make his own speech, Warren continued, “Still, I’m hoping the holiday season will give me a chance to show I can be a better man.”
Nice sentiment. Piper wished him well, and for him to go away.
Warren straightened his tie. “I hope to see more of you, Piper.”
CHAPTER 33
Boom. Piper scrunched her napkin in her hands. Heat stung her cheeks like she was getting acupuncture to the face. Holy shit, she could not look around at the table but could feel the gazes on her, the same way she had felt the faux boobs in the bubble tub, but this was less sexy and extremely intrusive.
“Oh.” Lily squeaked, an inelegant sound for such a put-together person. “He’s talking about Mikah’s Piper.”
Yep, thanks for pointing that out to the table. Mikah’s twin brothers elbowed each other.
Jeez Warren, in what way had she encouraged him? Her heels pushed against the floor, urging her to sneak off, but if she got up, a spotlight would fall on her location, or worse, it would seem as if she were going to run to Warren.
“Piper, you were the best parts of my last year. My Thanksgiving wish is that you’ll let me show you how good we can be again. That’s what I’m thankful for today, the opportunity to ask for a chance. You’d look gorgeous on my arm wearing that red dress.”
No. Was part of her ego soothed? Maybe, but not really. This was public, embarrassing, and all about him. Piper shifted her gaze to the gold-trimmed placemat. This too shall pass.
“Okay, that’s not fucking awkward,” Zee said.
Francesca slapped his arm. “Language.”