Page 84 of Lyrical

Stephen tilted his head, looking at me. “What’s that now?”

I opened my mouth, but Perry beat me to it. “Chase is going to ask your sister to marry him. He has the ring and everything, but he won’t show it to me. And it’s also a secret, so you can’t say anything yet. You can’t even pretend like you don’t know anything because she’ll pick up on that. So, no acting strange. Even though it’s exciting. You have to act like you really don’t know, so pretend like I never told you, except don’t pretend too hard or else—”

“Perry, stop. You’re too hyped up to make sense. Let me hear Chase talk.”

“What Perry said.” She stuck her tongue out at Stephen. “Minus the crazy.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “I’m going to ask Jillian to marry me. You’re the only two who know, and until she has the ring, I’d prefer to keep it that way.”

His eyes bored into me, and I tried to get a feel for what was going through his head. He and I had become close over these past months and I considered him a good friend, but something like this could change the game completely.

After what felt like far too long, he stuck out his hand. “Congratulations, man.”

I smiled, shaking his hand. “Thank you.”

Perry pushed him forward, and I stumbled back as he crashed into me. “What the fuck, Perry?” he said.

“What’s with the handshaking crap? Give your new brother-in-law a hug. He’s family now.”

“He hasn’t even proposed yet.”

“So what? You know how your sister feels. It’s basically a done deal and—oh, shit. That’s her. Just act natural, everyone.”

I glanced towards the door to a bolt of pink. Holy fuck, she basically glowed. She stood out like a beacon for every fucker in the place. Yeah, I already wasn’t liking the dress so much.

I quickly moved towards her while Stephen and Perry went back to the table. As soon as she saw me, her face lit up just as much. Damn, I’d never get used to that.

“Hi, baby.” I snaked my arm around her waist. The material was tight against her curves. It was almost as if she wore nothing. I had the feeling I’d be kicking someone’s ass before the night ended.

“Hi, Chase. I’m sorry I’m so late.”

Her lips tasted like strawberries. “Just glad you’re here now. They haven’t started yet, having issues with the sound system.”

I guided her over to our table. “What the hell’s all this sand on the ground?”

“They had a Reggae party last night and didn’t sweep up so well.”

Perry jumped up as we approached. “Oh my God, Jills. You look smokin’ hot.”

“No, I look like a giant Skittle.”

“Then you should feel right at home here as part of the rainbow.”

I thought for a second that she was going to flip her off.

“Geez, kidding. You look anything but round in that dress.”

“How about a Starburst, then? Is that better?”

“Um, you’re not square either, Jills.”

Jillian made a frustrated noise and plopped down on the chair. I dragged it closer to me. “Who cares about the shape, Perry? Or how many other psychedelic colors are around this place. I look like a frickin’ piece of candy.”

“Hmm… somebody’s undies are bundled tight. If it was going to upset you that much, you didn’t have to wear the dress. I just wanted to get pictures, you know, as part of my prenuptial memory shit. Besides, it’s fun to dress you up and make you pop sometimes. It’s not like you don’t have the body for it.”

Jillian crossed her legs, the hem riding up to midthigh. It may have been tight as fuck, but at least when standing it went to her knees.

“I’m sorry, Perry.” She leaned her head back on my chest, and I either wanted to tug her dress down or take her home and rip it off. “It shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I’m making it into one. I’m just not myself right now. So let me apologize in advance for all the times I’ll probably get bitchy tonight.” She slid her hand into mine and squeezed it. “That goes for all of you.”

“Like I can’t handle a little bitchiness, Jills. Please. Don’t even worry about it. So, is that what took you so long to get here—you felt self-conscious leaving the house?” Perry asked.

---