Page 48 of The Best of Friends

Rebecca’s eyes widened. “What?”

“I’m sure it was an accident. He slipped or something. It wasn’t a big romantic kiss. It was just casual and meaningless, I’m sure.”

Rebecca started to laugh. “This is great!Beyondgreat. Do you know how pissed my mother is going to be when she finds out you’re dating David?”

“Ouch, and stop right there. I’m not dating him. We’re not dating. We just sort of lightly kissed. It was barely a kiss. More of a greeting.”

“Was he saying hello?”

“No, but I mentioned he was practically gay, so he had something to prove.”

“Now you have to tell me everything. Start at the beginning and speak slowly.”

Jayne swallowed another bite of ice cream, then explained how she and David had been talking about the house and what he’d said and what she’d said. “And then he kissed me.”

“This is great.” Rebecca’s smile faded a little as she leaned forward. “Itisfabulous and fun, but you have to be careful. David doesn’t get serious, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Because while I could easily fall for him, he could never fall for someone like me.” Jayne put the top on her carton. The ice cream she’d eaten sat like a big cold rock in her stomach. “Great, yeah. Thanks for sharing. Although I’d already figured that part out myself.”

“Don’t get mad.”

“For telling me I’m not good enough for your brother? I’m not mad. I really enjoy being put in my place.”

“No.” Rebecca stretched out her hands toward Jayne. “That’s not what I said, and you know it. David is funny and charming, and women fall for him. All women. You’re my friend, and I care about you. I don’t want you falling for a guy I’m not sure will ever fall for anyone.”

“Okay,” Jayne said slowly. “In theory, he’s back to get married.”

“Men have married without love before. Especially men like him. I have no doubt he’s interested in a relationship, but I’m less sure about how long it would last or if you’d like how it ends. Because with David, it always ends.” She wiggled her fingers. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Okay. I believe you.”

“I think you’re better than he deserves.”

“That’s true.”

“I won’t tell my mother. And you have to promise that if you have sex with him, we won’t discuss details. The ick factor is way too big.”

Jayne laughed. “It’s a deal.”

“I spoke with Jayne today,” Elizabeth said that evening over dinner. “Apparently, she knew Rebecca was back and didn’t bother to tell me.”

Blaine served himself from the vegetable bowl before passing it to her. “Jayne is Rebecca’s friend.”

“Meaning she’s not mine? Her complete lack of loyalty is appalling. I told her I was very disappointed.”

“Leave her alone. Jayne’s a good girl.”

His attitude was so annoying, Elizabeth thought. And just so typical. “You take everyone’s side but mine,” she said. “I’m your wife.”

“Therefore you’re always right?”

She wanted to say yes, but didn’t. “Meaning it would be nice if you supported me from time to time. I depend on Jayne. She’s a great help to me, but now I don’t know if I can trust her.”

“She’s not going to run off with the silver.”

“That’s not what I mean, Blaine. Honestly, you can be obtuse.”

He smiled. “You used to like that I was obtuse. You told me I was a simple man and that was one of my best qualities.”