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“I’m not sure. He was acting funny a minute ago. He said something about a weird text.” I shrug and pat Marshmallow’s white head.
“I heard Mom and Dad want you to date him.”
“We’re going on a date.”
“You and Langston?” Ronnie growls. “You don’t know everything about him, Jenni.”
I feel defensive right away. “Mom’s going to try to set me up with some stranger in India. How would that be better? She didn’t do the arranged marriage thing. I’m not going to carry on that family tradition either.”
“I don’t think Langston is the guy for you.”
“You’re the only one then. Everyone else seems to think we’re perfect for each other.”
“That’s because they don’t know what I know.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not dating him for real. It’s just to get Mom and Dad off my back.”
That seems to calm Ronnie down a bit. “Oh. That’s different. But tell him not to get any big ideas, or he’ll have to answer to me.”
“Ooh scary.”
“I mean it. I don’t want you dating him.”
“You can’t tell me who to date.” Now I’m mad. “Langston is your best friend. How can you talk about him like that? If you like him so much, wouldn’t you want him dating me?”
“I know too much about him. Let’s just leave it at that. You deserve better.”
“You’d probably say that about any guy I wanted to date,” I point out.
He grins. “You’re probably right. But that’s what makes me such a good brother.”
“You’re really annoying. You know that, right?”
He only laughs in return.
4
LANGSTON
Ihaven’t heard from her in years. Talk about a blast from the past. Why would Amanda be reaching out to me? Once I’m in my car, I read and re-read the text I got from her while I was in the stables talking to Jenni.
Amanda: Langston. I haven’t been fully honest with you. Is there a time we could talk in person soon?
I put the car into reverse and drive home. What would Amanda possibly have to tell me after all these years? We would have been married ten years by now if she’d decided to stay married.
It’s concerning that she wants to talk in person too. Whatever she has to tell me must be huge. When I pull into my garage, I shoot her a text.
Langston: I’m in Blue Mountain these days. You’re welcome to come here.
I’m trying to think of the best way to meet. It’s not like she can stay with me. Maybe my parents’ house? She’s been to their house many times, but that’s not very private either. Who knows what my mom would think about Amanda showing up on their doorstep? Would she be rooting for us to get back together?
Amanda: I can be there next week.
Langston: Are you sure you can’t just tell me over the phone? I’d hate for you to go through all the trouble of traveling here if it can be handled over a call.
Amanda: You’ll understand when I get there. Let’s just say I have my reasons…
Now I’m extra curious.