Page 140 of Choosing You

Garret takes a drink of his soda.

“How long did you two go out?” I ask as I glance back at Sadie again.

“Two months.”

“When did you break up?”

“Let’s not talk about her. I’m with you now.”

“I was just asking.” I focus back on my plate and pick up my fork to continue eating.

Garret turns to me. “Wait. You weren’t jealous just now, were you?”

“No. Of course not,” I lie.

He shakes his head. “Yeah, I don’t know why I even thought that. Half the time I’m not even sure you like me.”

“You know I like you,” I say, kissing his cheek.

He kisses me back on the lips. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“Yes. But thank you.” I feel my cheeks get warm as that annoying blushing problem occurs again.

A few minutes later, an older couple comes and sits at our table. They’re probably in their eighties. They hold hands as they eat, which works because the old man eats with his left hand.

“Are you two going steady?” the old lady asks Garret.

I almost choke as I laugh while drinking my water.

Garret just smiles and says in a serious tone, “Yes. Wearegoing steady.”

The old man glances up at us, then goes back to eating. He’s far more interested in the food than us. His wife continues. “We got married when we were about your age. We’ve been married 64 years now.”

“Congratulations,” Garret says. “That’s great, isn’t it, Jade?”

“Yes. Congratulations.”

She smiles at both of us. “You think you two will get married soon?”

What is with people thinking we’ll get married? First the mariachi guy and now the old lady?

“I don’t know.” Garret looks at me, a mischievous grin on his face. “Do you think we’ll get married soon, Jade?”

The old lady smiles even wider as she awaits my answer. “Um, no. I don’t think so. We’re too young.”

“Love knows no age, dear.” And with that, she goes back to eating like the conversation is over.

“You hear that, Jade? Love knows no age.” Garret tries to be serious, but can’t when he sees me ready to burst out laughing. He gets up, pulling me up as well.

“Don’t laugh at the old lady,” he kiddingly scolds once we’re in the hallway. “She obviously knows what she’s talking about if she’s been married that long.”

“I wasn’t laughing at her. I was laughing at your reaction to her. Acting all serious about that marriage crap. It’s just like at the Mexican restaurant.”

“Maybe Iwasbeing serious.”

“Yeah, right. Like we’re going to—” I stop when I see Katherine, Garret’s stepmom, walking up to us. I try to let go of Garret’s hand, but he won’t let me.

Katherine glares at Garret and me, daggers in her eyes. “Jade. I didn’t expect to see you here this evening.”

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