Page 55 of Puck and Prejudice

Why did she have to bring up his name?

“Oh, I will, niña. Come inside. There’s much to discuss. I talked to your aunt and grandmother. They’ve already made a list of possible locations for your wedding in Seville.”

“How could you have discussed wedding locations without knowing whether or not Jane was back together with Chad?” I ask.

“My connection with San Valentino is strong. I knew he’d answer my prayers.”

“Mom… I said I’d think about it. There’s also Chad’s family to take into consideration.”

She waves off Jane’s concerns. “Who would say no to a wedding in Spain? No one in their right mind.”

“They’d have to get married in the summer, thanks to Chad’s schedule. It’ll be boiling hot in Seville,” I argue.

Mom gives me a droll look. “The hotels have AC.”

“Can we talk about it tomorrow, Mom? I’m super tired.”

“Oh, okay. I’m just so excited, Jane! I didn’t think this day would ever come.”

“Dramatic much, Mom?” I chime in.

“I’m not being dramatic. Neither of you are getting any younger. I want grandchildren!”

I roll my eyes, then Jane and I follow Mom into the house and wish her goodnight. I ask Jane if I can take a shower first, and she says it’s fine. She wants to talk to Chad anyway.

I don’t take long, and I return to our shared bedroom ten minutes later or so. Jane is still talking to Chad, but she’s saying her goodbyes. I slide under my covers and watch her blush and act like a high school girl in love. I smile, loving that for her. But a moment later, I feel a pinch of envy. I’ve never been in love, and I wonder what it’s like.

An image of Jackson comes to the forefront of my mind, and my heart skips a beat. I know I’m attracted to him, but there can’t be more to it than that. I cannot give my heart to a man like him. It’d only lead to heartache.

Jane sighs, bringing me back to here and now.

“How’s Chad?” I ask.

“He’s good. He had a talk with his coach, and he’ll be playing game seven. He’s excited about it.”

“I bet.”

“His parents are in town for the game on Friday. Chad is having a get-together at his house tomorrow so our families can meet.”

“But they’re in the middle of the finals. Shouldn’t the players be practicing?”

She shakes her head. “Their coach thinks everyone is too tense. So he gave the team a half day off. They’ll practice in the morning.”

“That’s great,” I say cheerfully, but I’m a bit worried. Jane is on cloud nine and doesn’t see any issue with the last-minute invitation. But what if Chad’s parents are as snobbish as his younger sister?

“I know. I’m a little nervous. It’s my first time meeting them as well.”

“You’ll be fine, Jane. They’ll love you.”

They’d better. Jane and Chad’s relationship has endured enough sabotaging.

“I hope so. Chad’s excited. Oh, and he wants me to move in with him!”

“He does?”

Jane smiles. “It makes sense, right? It’s not like I have my own place.”

“Right.” I try to sound cheerful, but I’m sad to be losing my best friend so soon.

---