Page 68 of Regards, Mia

“But this is family,” Anna says. “No one is going to laugh at your horrible voice.”

“Mia doesn’t have a horrible voice,” Jay says.

Brad bursts out laughing. “Tell me you haven’t heard Mia sing without telling me you haven’t heard Mia sing.”

“Her shower voice is impressive,” Jay says.

A blush rises on my cheeks. “You heard that?”

Jay nods. “Your Taylor Swift impression is spot on.”

Brad thinks this is hilarious. “So I’ll put you down for a Taylor Swift song?”

“Mia is singing?” Max asks, coming up behind me and linking his arm through mine. “Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”

“I am not singing,” I insist.

“Not even for me at my wedding?” Max asks.

“Not even for you at your wedding.”

“Jay? Are you down?”

Jay shakes his head. “I don’t sing.”

“But Lovebug, you’re an amazing singer.” I actually have no idea if Jay can sing or not, but teasing him is too much fun to resist.

“Not as good as you, ShortCake.”

Brad laughs so hard he snorts. “ShortCake? You’ve got some balls calling Mia short.”

“I like this guy,” Max says, nodding at Jay.

Yeah, I know the feeling.

* * *

After the rehearsal, Mom ushers us to the family table where, to my annoyance, Chelsea Taylor and her date are already seated.

I’m still not used to the idea that the biggest gossip in town is going to be one of my relatives.

“Good to see you, Jay,” Chelsea says. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Me too.” Jay pulls out a chair for me.

“I hardly recognize you in all those clothes,” she says, letting her gaze drop over him.

I nearly choke on my tongue, but Jay handles it with his usual stoic charm. “Mia was pretty specific about the attire.” He takes the seat next to mine. “No gym clothes allowed.”

“You know each other from the gym?” Chelsea’s date asks.

“Jay is the owner,” Chelsea says. “I told you that, Craig.”

Craig lifts his shoulders in a shrug. “Yeah, probably.”

“What kind of gym?” Dad asks.

“It’s a boxing gym,” I say. “And they have a kids’ program called ‘Champion’s Corner’ that benefits the local youth.”

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