Page 103 of When Ben Loved Jace

“So why don’t you go talk to him?”

“He probably hates me. I know this is hard to believe, but I wasn’t always the well-disposed person who stands before you. Then again, if he wanted to take out any previous grievances on me, I certainly wouldn’t mind, as long as the bedroom is our arena. Or the backseat of his car. Hell, even those bushes over there would do.”

“This is why we wanted you here,” I tell him. “You really add to the romantic ambience.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Oh my god,” my sister says, walking over to join us. “I can’t believe you brought the cat. Is it your plus one?” She sizes up Adrien. “You look ridiculous.”

“That’s what I was just telling him!” Adrien responds.

They both purse their lips at me, as if it’s all my fault.

Karen sighs. “Did you really have to get married in the same month that I’m getting a divorce?”

“Who the hell are you?” Adrien asks, sounding defensive.

“I’m his sister!”

He turns to me again. “She’s right. That’s hateful.” Adrien cocks an eyebrow at her. “What’s your name anyway?”

“Karen.”

“Oh my god, that’s too perfect. I was promised booze. Come get drunk with me.”

“Deal.”

Adrien thrusts out the leash, so I’ll take it.

“I love you guys too!” I shout after them as they head for tables loaded with drinks and not much else, increasing the likelihood that my sister will get sloshed and embarrass herself. I can hardly wait!

“Meow?”

I look down at Samson. Then I pick him up and bump my nose against his. “I agree. Let’s go see Daddy.”

This time I make it ten paces. The longest strides I can manage on my short little legs, but that doesn’t even get me close.

“Hey!” Greg says, blocking my path. “We need to talk.”

He rubs Samson’s head, making me wonder who he’s addressing.

“First of all, congratulations.”

That would be me then. “Thanks! We’re not married yet though. Speaking of which, is everyone here?”

“I dunno,” Greg says, glancing around conspiringly, “but I’ve gotta ask you something.”

Samson squirms in my arms, having noticed a bug or something, so I set him down again. “What’s up?”

“I think I wanna do it. Today.”

“I’m flattered, but you missed your chance.”

He blinks at me. Then he guffaws. “You wish! Jace hasn’t told you yet?”

I start to shake my head. “Oh wait… You mean the proposal?”

Greg grins. “Yeah! What if I asked her here? I figure nothing is more romantic than a wedding. She’s gotta be thinking about when ours is gonna happen.”