Page 52 of The Accidental Honeymoon

I give her a reassuring smile. Then I turn back to Azi, who’s already stuffing tissue paper into a vase like it’s the most important task of his life. “There’s plenty of time. I’ve never met two people who were crazier about each other. It was a pleasure to be your wedding officiant.”

Cora leans forward. “Azi, this is our first time meeting Jay. Can you believe it?”

“No?” He stills, looking between Calla and me. “I think you should have some space.”

“You’re a darling,” Cora purrs. “I love your Valentine’s Day decorations.”

Azi sets down a plate of heart-shaped sugar cookies before us and beams. “Thank you! I’ll just be behind the bar if you need anything.”

“Actually.” Cora sits back with a sigh, eyeing the pieces of pink tissue paper. “They don’t look great, but they do look like Azi put a lot of thought into them.”

“So, about you two,” Iris prompts, still beaming.

“Yes, let’s talk about that. What exactly is your plan?” Cora certainly has a way of cutting through the bullshit.

“Well—” I start.

Calla immediately cuts me off with a hand to my arm. “Cora, cool your jets. You’re not facing off with Jay in family court. You’re meeting your brother-in-law.”

Cora’s eyes flash and her nostrils flare. “I am just trying to protect you, Calla. That’s all I’m ever doing.”

Calla looks at her sister for a moment, then smiles and slides her hand across the table. Cora looks pinched as she squeezes her hand. “You’re the best big sister anyone could ask for. But I think I’ve got the situation handled.”

I do a moment’s math. “Am I the situation?”

“That’s right.” Calla leans into me, letting go of Cora. “A very cute situation.”

“Cute? Can’t I at least be handsome?”

Iris speaks up. “I think you’re dreamy, if it helps.”

Everyone but Cora laughs at that. I nod my head. “Thanks, Iris.”

Iris blushes and looks pleased. Cora continues to seem bewildered. Calla squeezes my hand. “Show them what you’ve been working on,husband.”

“Oh, right.” I clear my throat. My tone shifts to dramatic. “Kalimera... uh... sas?”

Iris bursts into laughter. “That means ‘Good morning, you all,’ but close enough!” She giggles. “You’re adorable.”

Cora raises an eyebrow at me and her expression softens slightly. “You’re brave. I’ll give you that.”

“Some say brave. Some say stupid.” I lean back with a grin. “I guess the jury is still out.”

Calla’s thrilled expression makes my stomach do flip-flops. She makes me feel like a hero. First, she gave me everything I could have asked for and more in bed last night. Then I score major points just by repeating a phrase in Greek.

I’m already too comfortable with her. So comfortable, that I’m not quite sure when the lie ends and the truth begins. I feel like every day, the line blurs a little more.

“So, Jay,” Iris says, going into full interrogation mode. She leans forward like she’s interviewing me for a reality show, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “What’s it like being married to our Calla? She’s a bit of a control freak, isn’t she?”

“Iris!” Calla hisses. Her cheeks flush. She looks like she wantsto melt into the floor.

I laugh. The sound comes easily. “I haven’t really come up against that, yet. I imagine it’s right around the corner, though.”

Iris laughs so hard she snorts. Calla pinches the bridge of her nose, trying not to join in. Even Cora, who seems like a tough nut to crack, allows a small, reluctant smile to creep across her face.

Victory.

“So, what are your intentions, Jay?” Cora asks, once she’s schooled her rogue smile back into a courtroom ready frown.

---