Page 53 of The Charmer

"I RSVP'd already, so yes."

"I want to go in your stead."

"Why?"

"Because I have some unfinished business with Robert, and he'll be there."

"Sure, man. No problem."

"Did you RSVP just for yourself or with a plus-one?"

"There is no plus-one, you know that." A few seconds later, he said, "Wait, you're taking a plus-one?"

Xander was right. There was no way around this. I had to fill my brother in. I probably had to fill in the rest of the family, too, although I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I usually had nothing to update them on.

"I'm taking Georgie."

"How did that happen? I need some details."

"Relax, brother. We're pretending to be a couple."

But the word simply felt wrong. I certainly wasn't pretending that I was enjoying her company—and her mouth and body.

"I think I misheard. You said pretending?"

"Yeah."

"Why the ever-loving fuck would you do that?"

"She needs to get Kyle Deveraux off her back. I acted on impulse. One thing led to another."

He burst out laughing. "I knew that would eventually get you in trouble."

"You are lecturing me?"

"Not at all. But I always figured that I’d be the one to get in trouble first.”

"So did I," I admitted.

"Who else knows in the family?"

"Xander."

"How the hell does he know before me?” he asked incredulously.

"He was at the Tableaus’ event yesterday. Can you get off my back?"

"No. This is the most fun you've been up to in a while."

"It wasn't fun. It was insane."

“Riiight." I could hear him grinning through the phone.

"So, can you forward me the Landry invitation?”

“Sure! Though now I'm actually tempted to ask for a separate one, just so I can come and give you shit in person. And talk to Georgie."

"Suit yourself. I don't mind."

---