Page 6 of The Fun Part
I clear my throat.Just be polite. “Yeah, me too.”
We’re quiet for the rest of the dance, but somehow that makes it worse. Her hand slides from my shoulder to my elbow in a warm path, easing my stiff hold on her waist until she’s moved so close our bodies brush against each other as we sway, a little brush to my chest; her chin brushes my shoulder. It would be rude to push her away.
The heat builds between us, a sparking tension, like our bodies are communicating on a primal level. This is bad. As soon as this song ends, I’m outta here.
The song ends, and she grabs my hand. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
I follow her.
2
Mackenzie
After dragging Cal around the room to meet everyone, where he was amazingly chill and friendly, I decide to be brave and drop a hint to see if he’s interested in casual fun. Sure, there was chemistry on the dance floor, but he did just get dumped earlier today. It’s a little strange how unfazed he seems after a major breakup. I mean, they lived together. If I broke up with someone I lived with, I’d be devastated.
On the other hand, he’s not giving me monk vibes. Maybe casual fun is the stress relief we both need.
Mom and Dad approach me near the end of the dance, already wearing their coats. “Dad and I have plans,” Mom chirps.
I nod with a bland expression.No details, please. It’s late on Valentine’s Day, and let’s just say they’re still hot for each other.
Dad wraps an arm around Mom’s shoulders. He’s got a little gray in his dark brown hair, but otherwise in top shape. He’s a former soldier with a mischievous streak that’s legend, especially concerning the escalating prank war he and Mom got into before they were married. People in town still talk about it.
“Can you and Harper take the catering dishes back to Happy Endings?” Dad asks. “They’re all washed and ready to go.”
I smile. “Absolutely. No worries.”
I hug them goodbye. They walk out holding hands, stealing glances at each other like they can’t wait to be alone. This is why I’m in no rush to settle down. They set the bar high. I didn’t even attempt a relationship until I was twenty-three, and Shawn was a huge disappointment. Now I understand that what my parents have is rare. It’s only logical to stick to casual when that kind of relationship doesn’t come around often.
I look around for Cal. He’s talking to my younger brother, Cooper, and his fiancée, Rowan. Cooper can talk to anyone. He’s a bartender at Happy Endings and soon to be co-owner. I know why my parents asked me and Harper to deal with the catering dishes instead of Cooper. We’re the only two without plans on this most romantic of nights. Though that could be changing.
I head over to Cal, Cooper, and Rowan just as Harper walks over barefoot, holding her heels by the straps. “Hey, all.” She turns to me. “I’m beat. Let’s go.”
“Dad asked if we could drop off the catering dishes at Happy Endings.”
She groans. “Because we’re the only single people here. It’s like a double tax. Single on Valentine’sandworking overtime.”
Cal lifts a hand. “I can help if you want to go home, Harper.”
That was easy. Maybe he wants time alone with me too.
Harper gives me a sideways questioning glance, which I answer with a telepathichell yes!
“That would be great,” I say brightly.
Harper turns to Cooper. “Can I get a ride home with you and Rowan?”
He waves pretend fumes away from his face. “Only if you put your shoes back on.”
She waggles them in his face in retaliation. Cooper and Rowan jump back. “They’re not that bad!” She puts her heels on, wincing, and waves at me. “Bye, enjoy your Valentine’s after dark.”
My stomach flutters with excitement, but I manage to sound casual. “Bye, guys.”
The three of them head out.
I look at Cal. “Where’s your car?”
“I parked at Ludbury House. Your mom wanted to meet me there so she’d have time to get to know me on the ride over here.”
