Page 76 of Legal

I sputtered and took a sip of beer. “That wasn’t fair.” I narrowed my eyes back at her. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“But you like him enough to be.” I crossed my arms. This was starting off well, but at least Chase wasn’t caught in the crossfire. “Stephen can accept that. Right, sweetie?”

“No, Stephen can’t,” he said.

A curvaceous, petite blonde stopped at our table, setting down an order of mozzi sticks. She swayed off, butt cheeks peeking out of her short shorts. Was that sanitary? I snatched a stick and took a bite, burning a layer off the roof of my mouth.

“God, you guys are both stubborn-ass pigheads. What’s the big fucking deal? She cares for him, and he treats her well. Isn’t that the main thing? And your sister’s finally getting some decent sex for the first time in her life. You should be happy for her.”

Stephen grimaced, then swung from his chair, stalking away. Maybe he was planning to join another table, one where he didn’t have to be privy to his sister’s sexual history.

“I shouldn’t have to keep asking you this, but was that really necessary?”

“Hey, I toned it down. I said decent sex when I could have said ‘knock you flat on your ass and can’t walk for a week’ sex. Because I know that’s what it is based on the shit-eating grin you’re always wearing lately.”

“I thought we’d be talking wedding stuff tonight.”

“Nah, plenty of time for that. Oh, which reminds me”—she pulled a card from her bag and handed it to me”—we’re having an official coming out engagement party on September third at the Metro Loft.”

I eyed it over. “Already? How’d you plan this so fast?”

“It was mainly Stephen who took care of it. There was a last-minute cancellation on the hall, so he jumped on it.”

“Okay, I’m there. Consider me RSVPed.” I set the card in my purse.

She raised her eyebrow. “It’s a plus one, you know.” I didn’t say anything. The party was a day over two weeks away. A lot could happen in that time. “Jills, talk to me.” Her voice grew quieter, and I could barely hear her over the hair band pumping through the speakers. “Why didn’t you bring Chase?”

“I’m not going to parade him around Stephen, and besides, we do much better when it’s just the two of us.”

Much better was actually an understatement. We were completely in sync, both inside and outside of the bedroom. When it was just us, the thirty-eight-year-old woman and the twenty-three-year-old man didn’t exist. There was only connection. That wasn’t the case when we ventured out.

Perry opened her mouth but shut it when Stephen came back to the table, frothy red drink in his hand. “Strawberry daiquiri.”

“Ooh, thank you,” she said and gave him a kiss. “Look how wonderful he is.” I smiled, already knowing he worshiped the ground she walked on. “He knew my stomach would turn if I had one more sip of beer. If you can find a guy like this, Jills, one who pays attention, never let him go.”

Her meaning was quite clear, and I sighed, chugging the rest of my cup.If only it were that simple, Perry.

We spent the next several hours talking random bullshit and avoiding anything Chase-related, thankfully. Being in a state of denial made for a fun night.

Shortly before I was ready to wrap up the evening, I got a text:Still out?

Yes, but leaving soon.

Did you drive or did they pick you up?

I walked.

The call came in almost immediately, but I didn’t tab to accept. The band was playing, and unless I went outside, I wouldn’t be able to hear him too well.

Too noisy to answer. What’s up?

I’m coming to pick you up.

No! Shit.Please, you don’t need to. I’m leaving now. I’ll call when I get home.

Stay there. I mean it. I’m on my way.

I considered my options. I could leave right this second, and he could pick me up along the way. I could ask for a ride from Stephen, but that would be rude if I was gone when he arrived, and they weren’t ready to go anyway. I’d just wait outside for Chase until he got there, then sneak off without anyone seeing. Perfect.

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