"A daughter-in-law like Eileen doesn't come along every day. Of course we had to lock down the engagement while we could." My mother's voice softened. "We know you have feelings for her, sweetheart. But you can't force these things. She's never felt that way about you, not in all these years. It's time to let go."
I said nothing.
I looked down at my phone and messaged my partner:
Please tell me the surprise isn't Eileen Mason.
She sent back a laughing emoji.
We all know you're crazy about her! I handled the national staffing myself. She reports directly to you now. You two are going to be joined at the hip from here on out~ haha~
I pressed my palm against my forehead.
"Hey, isn't that Russ Farley? Eileen Mason's little puppy dog?"
"Oh my God, it is! He actually showed up!"
"Look at his face. That poor, tortured expression. I almost feel bad for him."
The whispers needled into my skull like a migraine. I gave up on the party and ducked into a side room to call my partner and sort this out.
After I'd finished explaining that I was over Eileen, I opened the door.
A hand shot out and locked around my wrist.
I was dragged down the hallway and shoved into the stairwell.