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“Jett and Brooke,” I say, announcing them with dramatic flair.
“Hope we’re not interrupting,” Jett says, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. Brooke, for once, is quiet, surveying the room and everyone in silence. I take her hand, ready to introduce her one by one to everyone when Aunt Scarlett steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she sizes Jett up. “So, you’re the famous Jett.”
He nods, extending a hand. “And you must be the infamous Aunt Scarlett.”
She doesn’t take it, crossing her arms instead, and I hold my breath, not wanting any drama. Wanting my aunt to love the man I love. “You break her heart, and I’ll—” She stops, as if she’s only now realized that Brooke is here.
“What will you do?” Brooke pipes up, her eyes wide.
Aunt Scarlett leans down and manages a smile. “I’ll be sad.”
Brooke gasps.
Then my aunt raises to her full height and whispers to Jett, loud enough for me to hear, “I’ll kill you.”
He laughs. “Duly noted.”
I’m in shock. “Aunt Scarlett!” I cry, relieved that Brooke hasn’t heard.
But my aunt smirks and finally takes Jett’s hand, giving it a firm shake. “Good. Now, sit down and eat something.”
The kitchen fills with laughter.
Jett sits down to eat with us, and Brooke comes and sits right by my side. She has a new nanny now. Katie, who is in her mid-thirties, calm, and sensible, and perfect for Brooke.
We eat and talk, laughter filling my tiny apartment, and I can’t help but notice something unusual—Jett and Aunt Scarlett are deep in conversation. More than I expected. More than what seems normal.
I also notice the way Jett keeps glancing at his watch.
“You have somewhere to be?” I ask, watching him with narrowed eyes. There’s a restlessness to him, something I don’t understand. After all, the plan for today was simple—he and I were taking Brooke out. A movie, the park, whatever she wanted.
But then Jett and Aunt Scarlett exchange a knowing look, and my stomach tightens.
What the hell is going on?
Jett clears his throat and leans forward, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “While everyone’s here, I wanted to let you all know about my plans for the day.”
Something flutters low in my stomach, but I force myself to stay calm. Jett making an announcement, here and now? That can’t be good.
My gut is right.
“Once upon a time,” he says, smirking a little, “I may or may not have been the reason my girlfriend missed a concert she’d been waiting years for.” He pauses, eyes flicking to me as the word girlfriend lands like a spark against my skin.
It’s the first time I’ve heard him call me that. My breath catches, warmth surging through me like a slow-burning fire. God help me, I love this man.
"So,” he says smoothly, stretching an arm along the back of my chair like this is no big deal, “today, I’m flying her to see The Mayflies—”
My hand flies to my lips as realization crashes over me. I look at Eliana. Then Bianca. Then Aunt Scarlett. They’re all staring at me.
Like they know.
Oh my God.
I’ve been set up.
“What?” The word barely leaves my mouth before my heart slams against my ribs.
"The Mayflies!" Eliana squeals.