Shelly wanted no part of such an event, especially when the event was being organized by the Fosters.

It was a gathering for the single employees employed by the Fosters' three companies. She was not an employee so it would be odd for her to date anyone who worked for the Fosters, given that she was Aiden's mother.

It was for precisely that reason that she had not considered dating Fergus.

She had struggled with that decision for some time.

Fergus was a great person and had been wonderful to her and her family. However, the fact that he worked for Hayden made Shelly uncomfortable, and she realized she might feel better dating someone who had no connection to the Fosters.

"Fergus, if I go with you to the gathering, we are even. You can't call me along to events like this again," Shelly said.

"Are you really that reluctant to come? If that's the case, forget it." Fergus could sense her reluctance and did not want to push her too hard. After all, he had only asked her to join him so