"Where are you going?"
Lawson froze at his mother's voice, already halfway to the hall that led to the front door.
"Out," he said, not breaking his stride.
"Lawson." Her voice rose, and he stopped, letting out a frustrated sigh.
"Remember, we have dinner tonight with Madison's boyfriend."
"I trust you, Mother. You wouldn't let Madison marry just anybody, so... this dinner? My presence isn't necessary," he shot back, not bothering to turn.
His mother shot up from the couch, her voice sharp. "Are you out of your mind, Lawson? We agreed on this already! Before Madison goes through with the wedding, we meet his family."
She scoffed, a harsh sound. "Your first marriage was a disaster, and this one, with Diane, has proven to be useless and a..." She trailed off, muttering about Diane's in
