Page 74 of The Best of Friends

“She wanted to know about Nigel.”

Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “What did you tell her?”

“His first name, where he was from. Her only question was whether or not he had money. I shouldn’t have been surprised. That’s very her. But I didn’t want to hear it. I just… snapped.”

“How? Did you throw anything?”

“I told her that you were her daughter and the right question was whether Nigel was good for you.”

“That must have pissed her off.”

“Pretty much. She told me I was ungrateful and didn’t know my role.”

“She didn’t!”

“Either role or place. I can’t remember. I told her I agreed, then said something about being an unpaid servant. Then I walked out.”

Rebecca grabbed her free hand and squeezed her fingers. “You’re my hero, and I love you. Thank you for supporting me.”

“A lot of cheap talk.”

“I’m so proud.”

“You’re happy I upset Elizabeth.”

“Yes, but what matters is you stood up for yourself.” She released Jayne’s hand and grabbed her margarita. “Are you okay? You and Elizabeth have one of those twisted, confusing relationships.”

“One of the reasons I’m leaving town. Maybe the main one.” She paused to consider the question. “I’m not happy. I didn’t want to have a fight with her. But I’m not sorry I told her the truth.” She thought about David. “The Worden clan is big on assumptions.”

“Meaning?”

“Because that wasn’t sucky enough, I followed it up with a fight with David. He’s still pissed that I wouldn’t be his date at his special find-a-bride party. How passive aggressive is that? He tells his mother he’s fine with the party, then wants to bring a date? Why not just tell her no, if that’s what he wants? And why me? Is this more about being the hired help?”

“Because you’re helping him find a house?”

“It’s complicated. He’s…” Charming? Handsome? Perfect in nearly every way? She sighed. The unfortunate answer was yes.

“I warned you about not getting involved,” Rebecca said.

“I know, and I’m listening. He’s the one making it difficult. We don’t have a relationship. We never will. I’m clear on that. Why isn’t he?”

Rebecca leaned forward. “Have you and David gone out?”

“You mean like to dinner and stuff? We have, but that’s not the point.”

“Then why would he…” She put down her drink and removed her sunglasses. Her blue eyes, very much like her brother’s, were wide with shock. “You’ve slept with him.”

“I hate it when you’re insightful,” Jayne muttered, and tried not to squirm. “Yes, we had sex. It didn’t mean anything to him. I’m clear on that. It just kind of happened.”

“Please, please say you told my mother.”

“No, and this isn’t about you.”

Rebecca slumped back on the lounge chair. “Where’s the fun in that? So you and David did the wild thing. By the way, thank you for not giving me details.”

“He’s your brother. You don’t want to know.”

Rebecca put on her sunglasses. “Only if he’s shaming the family name.”