Page 112 of Fun Together
I glance at Eli. “I’ve heard that a time or two.”
“Eli, why didn’t you tell me you were dating Liv Tyler?”
He winks at me. “Because I’m not dating Liv Tyler.”
Eli starts to walk up the driveway, but I pull him back before we go further. “Are you sure everything is okay?”
“I’m sure. I’m sorry to make you worry, but it’s nothing that should get in the way of tonight.”
“Okay,” I say, reaching up to straighten his collar. He’s wearing the shirt he bought when we went shopping. He seems a little more relaxed now that we’re here, except he’s got the shirt buttoned all the way up.
“Hang on.” I undo the top button of the shirt and my knuckles graze against his neck.
“Don’t unbutton too much. This is a classy affair, remember? Can’t be showing too much skin.”He grabs my hand. “Come on, this will be fun. I promise.”
So many peopleare packed into the backyard that I can’t even see where the yard begins and ends.
“Who are all these people?” I ask.
“I think Evie invited every acquaintance my parents have.”
That’s an understatement. No wonder the street was so packed.
Eli spots his parents, and we walk over to them. I met them years ago when Eli and Andrew were moving into the apartment they shared our senior year. I remember his mom being stylish and friendly, and his dad being a bit of a strong, silent type. I’m not sure if they even remember me.
Patti pulls Eli in for a hug and then does the same for me. “Good to see you again Faye, I hope you like hugs,” she says.
I smile at her and it’s easy to see where Eli gets his charm from. “I’m not opposed to them.”
Eli’s dad holds his hand out and I return his very solid shake. “Good to see you, Faye.”
“Eli, introduce Faye to everyone,” his mom says.
“Everyone, this is my friend Faye,” he shouts out to everybody in the vicinity. It was so loud I think I’ve now been introduced to the entire neighborhood. They all shout theirhellosandnice to meet yous.
I wave awkwardly. “Hi, nice to meet you all.”
“I’m so happy you could come.” She turns to give Eli a side squeeze. “Eli was so excited when he told me you were coming with him.”
I wipe my palms on my dress, nervous at the attention. “Thank you so much. Is there anything I can help with?” I ask.
“Let’s go see if the kids need help with the shrimp. We’re doing a big seafood boil, and could probably use all the hands we can get.”
We go inside and Eli immediately grabs an apron with a cat on it that says,Hiss at the Cook. Emmett is already preparing the shrimp, and Eli doesn’t hesitate to start helping. “Faye, you remember my brother, Emmett,” he says, gesturing to his left and almost slinging shrimp guts all over the place.
“Hey, watch those hands,” Emmett says as he turns to me. “Good to see you, again.”
“You, too.”
“Wait, you’ve already met her?” Evie asks, somewhere between a yell and a shriek.
“Yeah, the other night,” Emmett says.
“Not fair. I wanted to meet her first.”
“It’s not a competition,” Eli says with a laugh.
I don’t know if I’m flattered or even more nervous now that everyone in his family seems so eager to meet me. Clearly this night is important to Eli and I’m curious about what has Eli told them about me. About us.
