Page 60 of The Kiss Countdown

“I’m great,” I say. “So, your aunt is meeting us there? Does she live close by?”

“She lives in Fort Worth, so it’s a good drive, but she and my mom try to see each other often. My sisters and I loveher. She’s child free, so she always spoiled us when we were kids.”

It’s not long before we arrive at an upscale black-brick restaurant. It’s way more than I expect for a small town, and I’m excited to try the food.

“I’ll come around,” Vincent says once we park.

“We probably should have invested in some crutches so you don’t have to help me get everywhere,” I say as he helps me down and I wrap my arm around his elbow.

The ankle’s swelling is hardly noticeable now. I was able to put on two shoes with little discomfort, though Vincent complained as we were leaving that if he had his way I would spend another day in bed. My mind absolutely didnotdrift to thoughts of staying in bed with him.

He takes on more of my weight as we step onto the curb. “What, and have me miss out on being close to you like this?”

I fight a smile and roll my eyes. I’m getting used to how he likes to flirt when he’s in a playful mood.

The family is seated right away in the back of the restaurant. I sit next to Vincent with Camille and Lance on my left. Brianna and Mr. Rogers are across from us, and the birthday queen is perched at the head of our long table that still has room for one more. Since breakfast, Mrs. Rogers has been glancing between Vincent and me with eyes full of hope and expectation, so I do my best to avoid her direct gaze as we all settle in. I don’t want to witness her inevitable disappointment when she realizes Vincent won’t be proposing tonight. If I feel pressured by her wish, I can only imagine how much weight is on Vincent’s shoulders.

Not that he shows it. After everyone places orders for drinks and appetizers, he relaxes with his arm around the back of my chair. Each time I move, his fingers brush my arm or shoulder.

“I wonder when Aunt Shelly will get here,” Brianna says. Her eyes follow a waiter dressed in all black as he walks around with a sizzling rack of lamb on a metal skewer.

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be here by the time we’re full and ready to leave,” Mr. Rogers says.

Mrs. Rogers places her phone in her purse and spears him with a sharp glance.

“What?” Mr. Rogers says.

“You know what. Can we have one get-together where you don’t go at it like bickering animals? I want to enjoy my birthday.” Her eyes slide to Vincent and me as she sings, “I have a feeling it’s going to be the best one yet.”

Oh Lord.

I lean a little farther back in my chair so I’m hidden behind Vincent’s body.

“You act like I’m lying,” Mr. Rogers continues. “Your sister couldn’t be on time to save her life. Can you imagine a doctor constantly running on BP Time? You get there at eight, but they don’t show up until nine.” He shakes his head. “Couldn’t be me.”

“Will, stop it!” Mrs. Rogers whacks his shoulder, but that doesn’t stop her from laughing as she continues. “Shelly does not run on Black People’s Time. She gives her patients the time and attention they deserve, so yes, sometimes she’s a bit behind.”

“Sometimes,” Mr. Rogers says with an unconvinced grunt, and I can’t help my quiet chuckle.

Mr. Rogers has been quiet around me these past few days, but now I see he’s actually a hoot. He’s probably the reason Vincent thinks he’s so funny.

As appetizers arrive, a woman’s boisterous laugh comes from the front of the restaurant.

“Auntie’s here,” Camille announces.

I turn around and see the hostess leading a woman who looks almost identical to Mrs. Rogers, save for her beautiful long locs, to our table.

“Is she your mom’s twin?” I ask Vincent.

“No, but they’re only thirteen months apart.”

“Happy birthday, little sister,” Shelly says when she’s still three tables away.

Damn, if someone announced it was my birthday in a room full of strangers, I’d die of embarrassment. There’s a reason why, as much as I love parties, I prefer to plan and remain behind the scenes. But Mrs. Rogers and I are not the same. Mrs. Rogers looks every bit the regal queen accepting her subjects’ adulation as her sister comes closer.

Mrs. Rogers stands up and embraces Shelly in a hug full of laughs. Shelly then goes around the table greeting everyone.

Vincent stands when she gets to him. “It’s good to see you, Auntie.”

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