Chapter Three
Jenna
It was the day after our engagement photos, and I was currently sitting at the kitchen table with Lennon next to me telling me which fork was used for what. I tried to listen, I really did, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Liam. Everything that happened yesterday threw me for a loop, and I didn’t know what to think about him. After we all sat around his parents’ place for a while, I kept catching him staring at me with a weird expression across his face. Of course seeing him staring at me, I would sneak glances in his direction as well.
It was four o’clock by the time we left his parents’. Liam didn’t let me drive with anyone else but him. He was being weird the entire ride home and made the effort to talk to me about the photos and random stuff. I didn’t want to ask him why he was acting weird in case it made him stop. When we got home, he got to work making dinner for the both of us.
The rest of the night he talked about everything and anything. I could tell he was trying to act nicer around me and make me feel comfortable. I didn’t know what had changed with him, but I wasn’t complaining. It was nice being around him and actually having a nice conversation. It was the first time in three weeks that I felt at home and actually wanted by Liam. Whatever was going on, I didn’t want it to stop. When we went to bed, he even walked me to my door and said an awkward, “Goodnight.”
I had spent a good portion of the night going over everything with a wide grin plastered on my face. I didn’t know what time it was when I finally fell asleep, but I knew I still had a smile on my face and an image of Liam’s face in my mind. I knew everything wouldn’t be suddenly fine and dandy with him when I got up, but when I did I felt lighter than I had before. Maybe it was knowing that Liam was actually being nicer than before.
I missed Liam this morning when he went to work, but it wasn’t even an hour later when Lennon showed up, ready to teach me how to act “proper”. It still made me angry that I had to do this, but if both Lennon and Liam thought it would help, I’d do it. I was not looking forward to his work party, which was happening in two days. The idea of having to dress up and meet a bunch of new people who thought Liam and I were really getting married was enough to make me throw up in my mouth a little. I didn’t like big crowds or attention. I’d rather hide away in the background and let others take the spotlight. Besides raising money, which was the real reason for the Benefit, I knew people were going to be on Liam and me like hounds, asking about our engagement. This afternoon we were supposed to go and pick out a few photos from the shoot, then give them to the paper to print for tomorrow. Tomorrow morning my whole life would change once again. I would be known as the fiancé to one of the richest, most eligible bachelors—Liam Stanford.
“Jenna, are you even listening to me?” Lennon’s voice broke through my thoughts.
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay, then what is this fork used for?” She held up a smaller fork, but it still looked the same as the other one.
“Salad?” I asked.
“That was an easy one,” she said but nodded that I got it right.
“Can we take a break and get something to eat?” I asked, leaning back in my chair. We had been doing this for over two hours, and my brain was fried.
“Fine, but only for a few minutes. We still have a lot to go over.” Lennon sighed.
“There’s more?” I groaned. “I feel like I’m back in high school.” She just shook her head at me.
“I’d make a great teacher.”
“Yeah, great at torturing children!” I stood up, heading to the fridge to grab something to eat. “Are you hungry? I can make us something.”
“Sure, I’m fine with anything.” I spotted some sliced turkey in the fridge and pulled it out. “So, you and Liam kissed, huh?” Lennon said a few minutes later, making me stop putting turkey on our sandwiches.
“It was only a peck on the lips,” I said, trying to make it sound like it wasn’t a big deal.
“That was not just a peck! It was full-blown making out!” she said. I looked up, finding her leaning against the bar in front of me with a smirk on her face.
“And how would you know?”
“We were all spying, duh, but that doesn’t matter.” She waved her hand. “You guys looked to be enjoying it.”
“Lennon! That’s your best friend,” I said. I felt a little awkward talking about Liam and me kissing.
“Like I haven’t heard about everything from past girlfriends. Seriously though, after that kiss Liam couldn’t take his eyes off of you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The whole time we took photos, he was watching you. Same with afterwards, when we were all sitting around the living room.”
“I probably had something on my face,” I said, finishing up our food and handing her a plate before going back to the table. I wanted what Lennon said to be true, but it was Liam. He wouldn’t find me at all attractive.
“And you are just as guilty. You kept glancing at him every chance you got.”
“I did not!”
“You so did. Just watching you guys, I can feel the sexual tension,” she said. I choked on my sandwich and reached for my water. I felt Lennon’s hand softly hitting my back.