“Whoisthat?” Kerri turned to Hailey.

Hailey rolled her eyes and glanced over. “That’s Allison. She works with Miguel. He invited her tonight.”

“Oh.”

Hailey smiled. “Looks like she and Mitch are hitting it off.”

“Yeah. It does." Kerri scowled.

“Maybe he’ll bring her to the wedding.”

“Ha. They just met. I doubt it.”

Hailey looked at her, then said, “Come help me in the kitchen.”

Kerri was happy to leave the room and help Hailey put food out on the table in the dining room. A while later Mitch appeared in the kitchen.

“Should I take a taxi home tonight, too?” Kerri asked him, just a little snippy. “I’m getting used to doing that.”

He frowned. “Of course not. Why?”

“Just thought you might want to leave with Alice, or whatever her name is.”

He grinned. “Ah. Well, no. I brought you here and my mother always taught me that you leave with the one you brought.”

Kerri couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, thanks. Just let me know when you’re ready to go.”

He glanced at his watch. “Any time.”

“This wedding is all-consuming for them,” Kerri remarked during the short drive home.

“No kidding. That’s all Hailey can talk about. Love her, but man, it’s just a wedding. When is it, anyway?”

“Five weeks. You probably should know that, since you’re in the wedding party. Have you gotten a gift for them yet?”

“No. Jesus, haven’t even thought about it.”

“You’re such a guy. You’ll probably be picking out their gift the day before the wedding.”

“Or day of.” He laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll get something.”

She grinned. “I’ll remind you,” she said, as he pulled up in front of her house. “G’night. And don’t forget…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” He waved a hand.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” She turned back to him. “I’m going over to my parents’ for dinner tomorrow night and my mom told me to invite you. Want to come?”

“Hell, yeah. I love your mom’s cooking. What time?”

“Around four.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“Okay. Bye.” He waited until she got in her front door, as he always did, and accelerated away when she gave him a quick wave.

Chapter Seven

Mitch pulled up in front of Kerri’s condo and prepared to jump out to go in and get her the next afternoon, but she was already out the door. She locked it behind her and ran down the sidewalk, young and energetic in her flippy flowered skirt and halter top, her toned body lithe and graceful. Damn, she always looked good.