“Ok, where is Jackson, and what have you done with him? Are you seriously thinking of getting married? Who is she? You haven’t already eloped, have you?”
“Calm down. I don’t mean right now. It’s just something that I’m not necessarily opposed to anymore. I don’t want a whole circus, but I get it, I think. Wanting it.”
She brought her hands to her mouth, trying to contain her glee. “I think I might cry! Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about helping us put together the favors for the wedding?”
“Actually, I’ve heard you could save a lot by not bothering with favors.”
“Did Mom tell you to say that? She’s been going on and on about how tacky she thinks it is.”
“She does? I thought it would be right up her alley. She loves all that traditional stuff.”
“I know! That’s what I said.” She raised her cup, then stilled. “So, wait. If it wasn’t Mom, then who? Since when do you know anything about weddings?”
Shit, she had me there.
Her eyes narrowed, suspicious. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing. It was just something a friend told me.”
“Afriendfriend?”
Moments like this reminded me of the age gap between us. “If you’re asking me whether I’m seeing someone, then the answer is yes.” Not exactly the whole truth, but now was hardly the time to explain to Sarah what was going on with Audrey and me. Mostly because I barely knew myself.
“Are you sleeping with a married woman?” She sounded so scandalized that I stifled a laugh.
“No, fuck no. Geez, Sarah, think a little better of me.”
Her relief was evident. “No, I do. That’s what shocked me. Ok, so what then? A wedding planner? A celebrant? A singer who does weddings on the side? I haven’t been keeping up with your Twitter mentions.”
“It’s none of those things. Forget I said anything.”
“Yeah, no chance. Come on, tell me about her.”
“It’s … I’m trying not to jinx it. She’s special.”
She was silent for so long I almost wondered if she hadn’t heard me, then she blinked and said, “Huh.”
“Go on.”
“What?”
“Say it.”
“I’ve never seen you like this before. You really like her, don’t you?”
“I really do. I’m just not sure how she feels.”
“You’re in so much trouble.”
“Oh, I know. I definitely know.”
“So when do I get to meet this miracle woman who is amazing enough to change my brother’s mind about relationships?”
“Ok, calm down. You don’t have to act like my wanting a relationship is some miracle, and secondly, you are not meeting her.”
“Firstly, yes it is, and second, good luck stopping me.”
“Sarah,” I said, firm.
