Page 131 of Should Our Stars Collide

Carrie snorts, looking pleased. What a weird woman.

Kieran’s starting to dig it. He’s always been told he has zero filter, but those people clearly never met Gabe’s mum.

The conversation continues in a similar spirit, with most of Kieran’s attention on Ash, trying to figure him out. Unsuccessfully. The guy is a mystery. Not even Gabe with his mojo picks up on anything weird coming off of his cousin. Then again, he might be too busy trying to keep his unhinged mother at bay.

Once they’re finished with the main course and waiting for dessert to arrive, Gabe suddenly clears his throat.

“So…since everyone is here, we figured this is a good opportunity to tell you.”

Carrie perks up. “Tell us what?”

“Hallelujah,” Ash mumbles, too quiet for anyone but Kieran to hear.

Gabe shares a look with Ellis, who takes his hand.

“Ellis and I are engaged!” he announces with a smile so bright it’s almost blinding. Ellis’ elation is more subtle. “Why is no one saying anything?”

Good question. How come Carrie is not shitting herself with excitement? Instead, she looks confused.

“I thought you’re already engaged.”

Gabe, equally confused, opens his mouth, but doesn’t get to speak.

“Yeah. Haven’t we had this conversation before?” Zeke asks.

“Impossible. We only?—"

“Yeah. I’m sure we’ve been over this before,” Dawson joins them.

“We haven’t?—”

Cal, who’s barely said a word since they arrived, speaks. “Agreed. I’m getting a strong déja-vu.”

“Guys—”

“Are yousureyou haven’t told us before and just forgot?” Carrie presses.

“Don’t you think I’d remember something like this?! Ellis, tell them!”

All eyes fix on Ellis, who looks like a high-schooler about to delivera presentation he hasn’t prepared for. “I mean…itispossible…”

“Ellis!”

He turns puppy-dog eyes on Gabe. “I’ve been so busy lately, it’s kinda blurring together.”

As the heated discussion carries on, Kieran leans into Ash. “Have they told us or not?”

The corners of Ash’s mouth lift. “Not.”

“Shouldn’t we say something?”

“Nah.”

Kieran huffs. “You’re evil.”

“Yeah.” When he turns his head, their lips almost brush. “But you like it.”

Kieran stares at his mouth, his own going a little dry. Everyone is too busy bickering; they wouldn’t notice if he snagged a kiss, right?