Page 69 of Regards, Mia

Dad hones in on Jay. “My dad used to box. It’s a good sport for strategy and discipline.”

Jay nods. “We teach the kids respect, integrity, balance. Some of these kids come from homes that don’t even have running water. They are isolated in the mountains with no chance of a better life. Champion’s Corner gives them a chance.”

As Jay finishes, silence settles over the table. He’s passionate about the kids’ program, and it shows.

“How long have you two been dating?” Craig asks.

“A few months,” I say.

“You never said how you met.” This is from Mom, who is looking at us with undisguised curiosity.

“I’m sure I told you.” I wave her off. “It really isn’t very interesting.”

A server approaches with our dinner plates, and while everyone is distracted, I scoot closer to Jay. “We never talked about how we met,” I say in a hushed voice only he can hear.

“Let’s just tell the truth,” Jay suggests, lacing his fingers with mine under the table.

“But the truth is embarrassing,” I say.

“Okay, so not the truth.” Jay leans closer to me so our thighs brush under the table. “We could always tell them I’m your bodyguard.”

I smack him on the shoulder. “Don’t joke about that.”

Mom’s eyes are on us from across the table. “Are you going to keep us in suspense? Or tell us how you met?”

Jay and I look at each other. “Go ahead,” I say. “You tell her.”

Jay pauses and takes a sip of his drink. “I tricked Mia into dating me,” he says.

My mouth drops open. “You did not.”

“I’m sorry,” he says. “But I did.”

He meets my gaze, andoh holy shit, he’s telling the truth.

Mom laughs. “I’m not surprised. Mia never knows what’s good for her.”

I ignore my mom’s underhanded barb about my decision-making skills and squeeze Jay’s hand under the table. “Tell the story.”

Jay runs a hand through his hair, looking uncomfortable. “I got rid of her date so she would have dinner with me.”

A laugh escapes my mouth. “You did that?”

Jay nods. “I knew as soon as I saw you I wanted to get to know you.”

I shift closer to him, mesmerized by the golden flecks in his dark eyes. “I can’t believe you did that.”

He smiles. “I should say sorry, but I’m not.”

I’m dying to know more about what happened, but it will have to wait.

Brad takes the stage to a round of applause, and it’s impossible to continue the conversation.

“Thank you all for coming here tonight to celebrate Max and Samantha,” Brad says. “I know most of you probably know who I am, but don’t worry, there will be no interruptions from paparazzi this weekend. The island is secure.”

The crowd laughs weakly at his lame attempt at a joke. As he strolls to the far right of the stage, the projector screen lights up with a life-size photograph of my brother and his future wife.

“This weekend is all about Max and Samantha,” Brad says.

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