Page 108 of By Invitation Only

An awkward silence hung in the air as we shoveled our food in our mouths. It was totally weird, especially since we were all in our late twenties or early thirties. Somehow we’d been demoted to the kid’s table, and now we all looked anywhere but at each other. None of my cousins had children of their own because we were all trying to become successful in our careers before we had families. At least that was my plan. I knew Rylie wanted to own her own clothing line before she popped out babies, and Brendan, Emery, and Brice were all becoming doctors. Brendan and Brice were residences at two different hospitals in LA, and Emery was still in med school.

I cleared my throat. “So, Daniel and Dylan, your parents brought you over and abandoned you to the kiddie table,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Apparently,” Daniel agreed.

“Any plans for tomorrow?” I asked.

“Football,” the said in unison.

“Playing or watching?” Emery asked from the island.

“Watching,” Dylan replied.

I looked to Rylie. “Let’s switch with Em and Bri. Let the boys talk football.”

I didn’t even know there was football on Christmas. Maybe this year was different since Christmas was on a Sunday and that was usually when football was on TV. I actually didn’t mind watching football or any sports for that matter, but I figured they’d have more in common with my male cousins than me and Rylie. Something felt weird about the entire situation too. Rylie nodded and told her brothers to switch with us.

“Wait,” Dylan said, setting down his fork. “We came to meet you.”

I blinked. “Meet me?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “You don’t know?”

“Know what?” I asked as I stood with my plate of food in my hands.

“Our parents are trying to set one of us up with you.”

“What?” I turned my head in the direction of the dining room.

“I don’t think she knows,” Daniel stated.

I whipped my head back toward them. “You think?”

“We’re sorry. We thought you knew.”

“Well, I didn’t.”

“Did you say she gets to pick between youtwo?” Riley asked.

“We’re both single, so my mom told us to come and see who had more chemistry with you. Her words, not mine,” Dylan clarified. “But areyousingle?” he asked Riley.

“I am,” she answered as I laughed under my breath.

This explained why my mother had made enough food to feed a platoon. And what was crazier about it all was these two guys had gone along with it. What if both liked me? Would they fight to the death for my hand in marriage? What the hell was the endgame?

“I’m flattered,” I said, “but I’m actually seeing someone.”

“You are?” Riley asked, her eyes wide.

I sighed. “It’s new.”

“I want details.”

“Look, guys. I’m really sorry, but my mother has lost her mind. Rie and I will switch with Emery and Brice so you men can talk football.”

And we did.

Going back to Booker’s house was looking better and better. Or going to my condo was actually where I wanted to be.

With Booker.

In my bed.