83. I Can't
Derian
As I drive, I adjust the knot of my tie for the third time since I left the hotel, but even that doesn’t help ease the heat rising up my neck or the uncomfortable pressure in my chest that feels like it’s choking me.
The GPS announces I’ve arrived at my destination. I take a deep breath as I turn left onto the private road leading to the mansion. The tires crunched over the white gravel, echoing my anxiety.
“Calm down,” I whispered to myself, but the words barely crossed my lips with conviction.
It’s impossible to calm down. I immediately recall Susan’s jokes when she found out I accepted her father’s invitation without hesitation. It surprised me that, when we were alone, she noticed my unease.
“It’s just dinner,” she said with a smile, but I shook my head. I coul
