Page 71 of Just Breathe

“Nice to meet you, Callum. It shocked me to see Jane bringing a date and thank God you came because Steve is a douche.” She held out her hand, and I shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Sabrina, and I’m glad I could save you guys from Steve.” I smiled at her.

“Damn girl, you know how to pick these.” Sabrina winked at Jane, making her blush.

“Come on, guys, let’s go get a drink and find our damn table.” Matthew took his wife’s hand and made his way to the ballroom.

“Matthew, don’t you dare walk away from me.” Jane’s mom came walking towards us and everyone except Matthew kept walking.

“That woman is scary,” Sabrina said as she left her husband to deal with his mom.

“You have no idea,” JD and Jane said at the same time, and they laughed together. We walked into an enormous room that was just as fancy as the ceremony’s. It looked like someone threw up flowers and sparkly stuff everywhere.

“Wow, this is beautiful, but this looks like it cost a fortune,” Katherine commented as we looked at the seating chart.

“I don’t think you even want to know.” Madie found our seats at one table. “I was worried they might split us up, but I’m glad we all get to sit together.”

“At least sixty grand,” Jane said as she took my hand and we weaved our way to a table close to the wedding party’s table.

“Are fucking kidding me? Who the fuck is paying for it?” JD sounded mad.

“Everyone.” Jane shrugged her shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you paid for something.” JD looked furious as we arrived at our table.

“I mean, I offered something small but didn’t expect to get fucking gipped,” Jane replied, sitting down as the other women sat down to. “I should have known better.”

“I think it’s time we all got that drink. I’m going to hit the bar. Anyone want anything?” I asked.

“Yes, let’s go.” JD took off to the bar before asking anyone what they wanted.

“Come on, I know what everyone wants.” Matthew caught up to us and we followed JD.

“Why does he always have to take advantage of her, and why does she let him?” JD leaned against the bar, looking pissed off. “I’m so fucking tired of him using her because he thinks she owes him something.” His voice was getting louder.

“Uh, can I get you guys something to drink?” The bartender looked a little nervous at JD’s outburst.

“Yeah, can we get five champagnes, 2 Lagavulins if you have it, and…” Matthew looked at me to see what I wanted.

“I’ll take a scotch too.” The bartender nodded his head and poured our drinks.

“Don’t be mad. Unless she wants it to stop, it won’t,” Matthew continued the conversation with JD. “You know Jane loves to help, and I wouldn’t doubt Momma said something to her.”

“Oh, I know Mom said something to her. I’m sure she was hoping she would have paid for something more expensive with the money that was left to her after Henry died.” JD looked like he was going to blow a blood vessel, and it just made me like him that much more.

“Don’t be mad bro, you know there isn’t shit we can do about it.” Matthew looked back at the table. “Plus, Mom’s on a rampage and fucking crazy today. You don’t want to get on her radar.”

“I just want her to be happy for once and not because some else says she should be.” He turned to look at me. “Is she happy in Colorado?”

His intense glared told me she better be, but I wasn’t one to sugarcoat shit. “I think so. She’s had good days and bad days, but I think she’s getting there.” The bartender sat the drinks down in front of us and Matthew tipped him.

JD was still glaring at me, but I didn’t back down. “Calm down there, tiger. Don’t throw your anger at the new guy when you clearly know it isn’t his fault. Come on, let’s drink and get this night over with.” Matthew took three drinks and left us.

We kept up the pissing match before JD grabbed drinks. “All I’m saying is don’t fuck with her, don’t sleep around on her and fucking tell her the truth. She’s had enough to deal with Henry and I just want her happy.” He grabbed three drinks too and took off.

It was such a weird thing to say, but I almost thought he was saying Henry slept around, or was it just my imagination? I grabbed the other drinks and went back to the table. I kept trying to dissect what he meant throughout dinner. Jane didn’t look like a woman who would stay with a cheater, but then again, I guess I really didn’t know her.

“Have you guys set a date yet?” Madie asked JD and Katherine as we were finishing up our dinner.

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