na

n into a still lake. The ripples were spreading, ev

ic celebration for Craig's "successful" return fr

hed him on the ride home - the brothers toasted th

rs were laughing, chugging beers. Craig was

ss of juice, smiling shyly as some of the members, try

a glass of untouched whiskey in my h

Lady. I didn't toast his "achieveme

of the more senior Old Ladies notice

a mix of annoyance, impatience, and a flicke

e thought he would "deal" with m

raig's mother, Eleanor Griffin. Her tasteful d

appy," she stated. I

, Eleanor?"

s, and sighed. "Craig has gone too far this time. Me

a way of making excuses for Craig while try

t to the club. And you, Fiona, are more important to this family. Don'

an she let on. S

ade my decision

to persuade me. She just patted the back of my hand. "Don't

whiskey and drank it in one g

alked to my offi

rned to the party, carrying

h the crowd, heading for

d the music. All

ned expression and wal

ervously, her eye

t, polite smile be

said. "Welcome to the

ers on the table in front of her

one f

most in this world." My voice carried clearly across the silent room.

nger's face and the look of pure

o manage the club's busine

accepted, she would fail. If she refused, she would be admitti

the room and raised my glass. "To Craig's retur

alked away. I knew, from this momen