Page 40 of The Dating Pact

A moment later, my sister bounded over to us. “I’ve decided. I’m going to get His and Hers stickers made and put baggies together of our favorite candy. The necklaces for me and Swedish Fish for him.”

“Sounds good.” Jude withdrew the pen from behind his ear. “How many pounds of the fish do you think you’ll need?”

“I’m not sure. Enough for one hundred people to get a scoop.”

He bit back another laugh, scribbling down a few numbers. “Got it. One hundred scoops. I’m assuming you’ll want one hundred candy necklaces too? I’ll order extra of both to make sure there’re enough.”

“Amazing. Thank you.” Sabrina could barely keep still, radiating energy. “How much do you think it’ll be?”

He shook his head. “Family discount.”

“What’s that mean?” my sister asked at the same time as I chided, “Jude, no.”

He split his attention between us and shrugged before going back to writing on the pad of paper.

Sabrina quirked her brow at me then Jude. “Is he—are you giving me all of that for free?”

He kept his head down. “Yep.”

“Jude.” She pressed her hands to her heart. “That is so kind. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I told him, and he finally stood up straight, tucking the paper away and the pen behind his ear.

He stepped out from behind the counter. “I want to.”

Sabrina gasped, her I have an idea face on. “You have to come to the wedding!”

Before I could respond, she went on, “Come with Brooke.”

He shook his head, waving the idea away. “No, I’m sure she’ll have a date.”

Sabrina flicked her hand. “No, she won’t.”

I snorted. “Thanks.”

My sister appeared sheepish. For only a second. “I know you’ve started dating again, but it’s next month. You’re going to find someone to bring to my wedding by then?”

“Yes,” I answered, dragging out the word petulantly.

Sabrina ignored me completely to speak solely to Jude. “You’re coming. I can’t wait. It’s going to be amazing. And I want you there. Even if Brooke ends up with a date, you’re still coming, okay? I’m putting you on the guest list as soon as I get home. Let me know if you want the chicken or vegetarian option for dinner.” Then she threw her arms around him. “You’re so great. I’m glad my sister has someone like you in her life. Someone to look after her.”

He met my eyes over Sabrina’s shoulder. “She doesn’t need looking after.”

“No, but she should have it anyway.” My sister backed away, talking as if I couldn’t hear her. “She hasn’t had a man in her life in so long.”

I rolled my eyes. Jude merely smiled, listening good-naturedly.

“And Tom was such a jackass. Did she ever tell you what he said to her?”

“Brina,” I warned, but she kept right on going.

“She was laid up in bed after having just…well, I won’t go into that detail, but suffice to say?—”

“Sabrina,” I hissed, tugging on her arm in an attempt to shut her up.

She didn’t, and Jude ignored me now too, his brows drawn together, mouth in an angry tilt. “What happened?”

Sabrina lowered her voice. “She had an accident in the bathroom, and he refused to help her, claiming his weak stomach. That he would throw up if he needed to clean it up.”

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