“The music is loud, and I’m tired.”
She squeezes my knee. “Please talk to him. I want us all to get along.”
“I’ll try, but no promises.”
“Thank you.” She kisses my cheek and swishes away to another table.
With a sigh, I wander over to Jacob, sword in hand. He has one too, only his is purple and blue.
I waggle my balloon sword. “En garde.”
His lips tighten and blanch like he’s sucking a lemon.
I sit and hold the sword between my legs. Probably not the best place for it, but whatever. “Mum wants us to get along.”
“We get along too well.”
I smile. “Is there such a thing as getting alongtoowell?”
“Yes.” His voice is strained.
It seems he can’t turn his attraction to me off with the flick of a switch either.
“Can we at least pretend everything’s cool for the rest of the evening? It’ll make Mum happy if we sit together for a while.”
He stiffens.
I wag my sword up and down. “I know Mum’s feelings aren’t your priority, but it would probably make your dad happy too.”
He wouldn’t be here if he hated his dad.
“Will you stop doing that?” he asks.
“What?”
“Waving that thing around.” His face has gone bright red.
“Why?” I wave it around more.
“At least don’t hold it between your legs.”
I lean close. “Does my balloon sword remind you ofmysword?”
“Don’t be daft.”
“You’re right. My sword isn’t this big, and I’d be alarmed if it was this pink.” I wink and put the balloon sword on the floor beside me.
“You promised.”
“I promised not to tell anyone you’d fucked me. I didn’t promise not to tease you.”
He narrows his eyes.
“Fine. I won’t do that either. I could go off you.”
“Maybe you should.”
“Do you mean that?”
