I checked my watch for the third time in five minutes. 6:30 PM. Two hours since I'd texted Evelyn about my family's sudden return.
The bourbon in my glass wasn't helping my mood. I swirled it, watching the amber liquid catch the light as I replayed my stepmother's phone call in my head.
"Alexander," Rebecca had practically purred into the phone. "How interesting to hear from someone else that you've gotten married. Without telling your family."
Ice had formed in my stomach. "Who told you that?"
"Does it matter? We're all simply devastated to have missed such an important event. So we've decided to cut our trip short. We'll be home tonight."
And just like that, my carefully constructed plan was falling apart. I hadn't even had time to brief Evelyn properly.
I downed the rest of my bou
