Page 66 of The Best of Friends

She laughed. “What’s not to love? The food will be excellent; our mother hates that I’m here. Have you noticed the stabbing glances? If looks could kill, she would so be booked for murder. My date is less than stellar, but I’m doing my best to ignore him. And there are endless possibilities on the entertainment front.”

“Trouble with Jonathan?”

“More boredom than trouble. While I keep reminding him this is a meaningless fling, he acts as if we’re long lost lovers. I’ll be ending things, just as soon as I figure out the best way.”

He had a feeling “the best way” would be the most expedient plan for her, Jonathan’s feelings be damned.

“But this isn’t about me,” she continued, leaning her head on his shoulder. “However much it pains me to say that. This is your night, David. And what a special night it is.”

“Go to hell.”

“I would, but my mother lives there.”

He saw Jayne walk toward the patio. She didn’t look toward him or acknowledge him in any way. It was as if he wasn’t there.

“You didn’t expect her to come with you, did you?” Rebecca asked, following his gaze. “As your date?”

“Why not?”

“Because this is your own private version ofThe Bachelor.”

“The what?”

“It’s a reality show on TV. I watched it on the Internet when I was in Italy. One guy, twenty-five women vying for his attention.”

“No, thanks.” That many women could only be trouble.

“Why are you pissed? Her relationship with Elizabeth is complicated. It’s why she’s leaving L.A. This whole party is about finding you Ms. Right. Do you really want Mom coming down on Jayne? Does she deserve that? It’s not as if you’re serious about her. Speaking of which, don’t make her think it’s more than it is. Jayne’s my friend.”

His annoyance grew. “Because I can only be the bad guy?”

“David, I love you like a brother.”

“Thanks.”

She smiled, then turned serious. “I mean it. Jayne is wonderful, but she’s not like the other women you get involved with. Or rather, don’t get involved with. You haven’t had a serious relationship in years. You enjoy the company of women, and then you move on. I’m not sure Jayne plays by your rules. I don’t want her hurt, and if you were the least bit nice, you wouldn’t want her hurt, either.”

“I don’t,” he admitted, still pissed but slightly less so.

“So do the right thing. Keep it friendly, but don’t lead her on.”

“Because there’s no way I could get involved with Jayne?”

Rebecca laughed. “Oh, please. She’s way too good for you. Wait and see. You’ll choose one of the women here. Or a bride just like them. Rich, groomed in the ways of our world. Your own personal young princess.”

He agreed that Jayne was too good for him, but not with Rebecca’s assumption about the woman he would marry. He didn’t want a clone of his mother, God forbid. Or someone just like him. He wanted to marry a woman he could be friends with, laugh with.

He had no idea if that was Jayne, but that wasn’t the point. He should be able to find out without creating a crisis with his mother. Or his sister. But everyone had bought into the idea of what his future wife should be—including Jayne.

He told himself he didn’t give a damn about her. If she wasn’t willing to stand up to his mother and come as his date, then he was through. Sure, the sex had been great, but so what?

“I need a drink,” he said. “Want one?”

Before she could answer, Jonathan joined them. “I’ve been looking for you,” he told Rebecca. “Hello, David.”

“Jonathan.”

Rebecca looked at him and rolled her eyes. David made his escape and headed for the bar in the corner. As he did, he looked out toward the patio and saw Jayne looking in. Their eyes met. For a second, maybe less, he saw such longing and sadness there, his chest ached. Then she blinked, and it was gone. Elizabeth walked up to her and said something he couldn’t hear. His mother pointed at one of the tables. Jayne nodded and disappeared toward the kitchen.

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