Page 15 of The Sweet Part
“Nice to meet you,” Dad says, always the more easygoing one.
Sophie stares at my dad, her eyes wide. “Parker! Can I get your autograph too?”
Dad grins. “You likeHot Finds?”
“We watch it every week,” May says.
Sophie nods vigorously.
Dad points to her. “I’ll catch up with you at the reception for that autograph.”
My parents sit several rows up next to my uncle Josh and an empty chair that will be for my aunt Hailey. Mom whispers fiercely to her older brother, Josh, who takes a peek back at us.
I lift a hand in greeting.
He jerks his chin and turns back.
May leans close to whisper, “Mason, you didn’t tell me it was a small wedding. Is everyone here family?”
“Some friends too.”
“Sophie and I stick out like a sore thumb.”
“You must recognize some people. There’s definitely some Clover Park residents here.”
She looks around. “I know Josh, Hailey, and their kids.”
“See?”
We wait as more people come filing in. There’s a low whisper moving through the room, and several of my relatives turn around to look at us. Just because I’ve never brought a woman and her daughter to a wedding is no cause for gossip.
I glare at every single one of them. May already feels awkward joining a small family wedding. I don’t want to make it any worse. I want her to have a good time.
“Will you dance with me?” Sophie asks me.
How can I say no?“Sure, and your mom too.”
“Everyone will dance together,” May says with a note of finality.
Aunt Hailey takes her seat, talks to Uncle Josh, and turns around to wave at us.
I give a quick wave. May looks uncomfortable.
“You okay?” I whisper to May.
“Fine.”
“Really?”
“Well, other than the fact that your entire family keeps turning around to look at me, and I’m crashing the small family wedding of a famous actor, everything’s great.” She catches my brothers looking at her. “Why does everyone keep looking at me?”
“Probably because I never invite women to a wedding. I made an exception because I wanted you both to experience cake and dancing. Right, Sophie?”
“Right!”
I give May’s hand a squeeze to reassure her. She stares at my hand on hers and pulls away, shifting in her seat.Ouch.
Clearly she doesn’t like my touch. Even for a friendly gesture. I’ll keep my distance. After today, I’ll only see her at her home, where I’ll be busy doing repairs.
