Page 60 of Puck and Prejudice

Twenty minutes later—Google Maps, you lied—I’m parking in front Chad’s house. It’s a nice pad, at least from the outside. The construction is modern, but it has charm.

Colombo whistles. “You hit the jackpot, Jane.”

Her brows furrow, and her lips flatten into a thin line. “I did, but not because Chad has money.”

He smirks. “But it doesn’t hurt, no?”

Shaking my head, I get out of the car. Dad parked behind me, and he’s getting out of his car as well. Mom stares at the house, but her expression reveals nothing. I wonder if she’s trying to guess how much Chad’s house is worth.

The front door opens, and Chad walks out. He makes a beeline for Jane, frames her face between his hands, and presses his lips to hers. It’s not a deep kiss, but no one can miss the passion. He’s completely unbothered by our presence, and that makes me smile from ear to ear.

“Get a room,” Lydia blurts out, and earns a pinch on her arm from Mom. “Ouch.”

Brat.

Chad steps back, and I see that he and Jane are both blushing. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist,” he says sheepishly.

“I’m so sorry we’re late,” Jane tells him.

Chad throws his arm around her shoulder and pulls her snugly to his side. “It’s okay, love. The important thing is that you’re here.”

Colombo clears his throat and takes a step forward. “I’m Colombo Gomez.” He offers his hand to Chad, and they shake. “Thanks for extending the invitation to me.”

“Of course. And nice to meet you.”

Mom approaches them carrying a large Tupperware container. “I brought dessert, but I fear it must go into the fridge as soon as possible.”

“Oh, thank you so much. You didn’t have to bring anything.”

“It wasn’t a problem at all. It’s only flan. I’d have made something more refined if I had known we were coming here today.”

I shake my head. Of course Mom had to make a comment about the last-minute invitation.

“Shall we go in before the flan melts?” I suggest.

“Right,” Chad replies. Poor guy looks completely out of sorts now. He and Jane walk in first, and I let Mom, Dad, and Lydia go in front of me. Colombo makes a motion to follow them and cut in front of me, but then seems to remember me and motions with his hand. “Ladies, first.”

Jackson has said that same line to me a couple of times, and I didn’t mind at all. But those words coming out of Colombo’s mouth makes me cringe. I smile tightly. “Thank you.”

My irritation with the man helps distract me from my nerves. Today is all about Jane and Chad, but I’m getting secondhand jitters. Meeting the parents is a big deal, and ideally, Jane should have met Chad’s parents first, before they were ever introduced to our folks.

I watch Chad attempt to make introductions, but he’s so nervous, he manages only to say Jane’s name before he gets flustered. His parents look like a couple of marble statues, showing zero emotion, and I understand now where Chad’s younger sister gets her personality. Jane did mention Chad’s parents were uber wealthy, and it shows in the manner they seem a bit standoffish. Both have fair skin and hair—although I’m sure his mother’s platinum blonde hair isn’t natural.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Jane says, then finishes making the rest of the introductions.

After a couple minutes of social awkwardness—especially when Jane introduces Colombo—the worst is behind us.

“Would you like a tour of the house?” Chad asks our parents, and the answer is obviously yes.

I stay behind though. I don’t need to a tour right this second. I want to get a proper feel for Chad’s parents, but his father excuses himself and disappears down a hallway. His mother veers for the kitchen and resumes dressing a salad in a big, fancy glass bowl. I’m guessing Chad didn’t buy that.

“Something here smells delicious,” I say to break the ice.

“Ah, yes. It’s my old mac-and-cheese recipe. It’s Chad’s and Jackson’s favorite dish.”

When she mentions Jackson’s name, my stomach coils. I forgot he was going to be here. “You’ve known Jackson for a long time?”

She gives me a look that says I asked the wrong question. “Oh course, dear. I’m old friends with his aunt. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

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