Page 34 of Love at Teamsgiving
She gestures to herself and her clothing. “Sweat is different than grime.”
I don’t have X-ray vision, but I definitely see past the dirt. “I think I can handle it.”
“But can you handle a car ride with me?” she counters.
“I’ll manage.”
“But—” She starts to protest.
“Junie, can we not fight about one thing?”
“One thing. Fine. This will be the one thing we won’t fight about.” She gets into the passenger seat with a grumble.
Closing the door, I let out a sigh and round to the driver’s side, checking the time. I shoot my brother a quick text about Burt.
The car ride is laced tight with tension. She doesn’t say a word until we pull up to Rae of Bite Catering Company, housed in a whitewashed building with dark trim and a movable feast mural on the wall.
My stomach rumbles. “Just in time for some samples.”
“Please be on your best behavior.” Her stomach makes a hungry sound.
“Me? I always am. Don’t bite anyone’s head off.”
“Why would I?—?”
“We both know what happens when we get hangry.”
“Let’s get this over with,” she says, but she knows I’m right and we tend to fight when our stomachs run empty.
Inside, the scent of smoked meat and baked bread greets us, along with a woman with red hair and chef’s whites. “I’m Rae. You must be Shane and Erica. It’s nice to meet you. Please, come in, sit down, and make yourselves comfortable. I have plank salmon with lemon and garlic rice coming off the grill. The citrus-spice ribs will be ready in five. Oh, and of course, the usual beef dishes along with sesame peanut noodles for the vegetarian guests and those with dietary restrictions. Sit tight and we’ll get the contract signed, then get down to business. The business of eating.” She’s a bit frazzled as she whisks away through a door, which I imagine is the kitchen.
Left alone in an office space that doubles as a dining room, noting Rae’s case of mistaken identity to Junie, I say, “Hey, Erica. What did you have in mind for the honeymoon?”
“Nice try, Miguel.” Wildfire blazes in her eyes.
“I wish you’d call me by the name my friends use.”
Her lip curls. “We’re not friends.”
“We’re more than friends, Junie.”
“Weweremore than friends. You said it would be best for us to just be friends, so here we are, Miguel.” She gestures with a flourish.
“By that logic, we’re friends, which means you can call me Mikey.”
“Peppino.”
“I’ll get you back for that.”
“Will you?” she taunts.
“I’m hatching a plan as we speak, Erica,” I say, knowing exactly how to drive her mad.
Rae appears, concern scrolling across her brow. She must sense the tension. “Trouble in paradise? I know planning a wedding can be a stressful time. But just think, it’s all leading up to a day that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. It’s the springboard for your future, really. Ignore any pressure you’refeeling from family or friends and remember that this is your special day.”
I expect Junie to erupt with sardonic laughter, so through my teeth, I quickly say, “Rae is right, Erica. We can’t let anyone or anything come between us.”
“Mig—”
