Page 575 of Dark Love

The men chuckle like that’s nothing at all. They start ribbing each other about football vs baseball and I tune them out.

There has got to be something intelligent that I can say.

“Mmmmmmmm. This cookie might be better than my mother’s.” Oliver stares at the cookie in his hand. “Don’t tell her that. Or maybe I’ll tell her that while I’m explaining why I just got married. Someone point me in the direction of the magnificent woman who made these. I think I’m in love.”

“That would be the woman sitting next to me staring at you like the sun rises because you requested it.” Gabe nudges me.

Thanks. That really helps. Now he’s staring at me and any hope of speech leaves my brain.

“What’s your name beautiful, so that I can arrange for our marriage license?” Oliver leans forward, placing an elbow on the table and resting his head on his hands.

Name?

Name?

You have a name.

“You don’t want to flirt with Prue,” Gabe warns.

“Why not? She’s beautiful and bakes cookies that make my mouth sing.”

Hope bounces up in her chair, but Gabe answers first. “Because she has a boyfriend that’s bigger than most linebackers I know, and he’d enjoy taking you apart with his bare hands.”

“Is this true, beautiful?”

Kinda. Probably. “Vex is a nice guy… about most things.”

“She’s not one of them.” Gabe points to me.

Wait, Gabe flirted with me. “If you’re so afraid of Vex, then why did you flirt with me?”

He shrugs. “Because flirting is fun, but I’m a perpetual bachelor.”

“You sound like my friend Stella. She flirts with everyone, but her true love is her horses.”

“That’s one smart woman.” Gabe takes a bite of smoked brisket.

“I’d love to meet the guy that has Gabe shaking in his boots.” Oliver turns to search the area.

Vex should be here next to me, making friends. “He’s not here.”

“Why don’t you two come to our game next weekend? It’s an exhibition game with players of all different sports to raise money for charity. I have a box.”

Like I’m going to say no to an invitation from Oliver Schoolers to watch him play. “We’d love to come.” Even if I need to drag Vex kicking and screaming. I’m going to a Dragon’s game!!!!! As Oliver Schooler’s guest.

Max sits down next to Hope as the wall of men fades away. “What is everyone talking about?”

***

“Is this seat taken?” Temperance gestures to the spot across from me at the bistro table.

“No. Please sit down.”

“Are you having fun?”

Surprisingly. “Yes.” This party might never end. The sun set hours ago, but people keep filtering in and out, eating, and bringing piles of food and drink. The food Mom and I prepped ran out hours ago. Nothing could have prepared me for this many people or just how friendly they’d be.

“Your parents are lovely people.”

---