There. That was what Chloe wanted. Intimacy. A place where only those two lovers existed. For all eternity, only Dad and Mom would know and feel what transpired in that moment.
But Chloe also wanted commitment. A ring and a date. Her parents never sealed their deal. Never took their love to the next level. After thirty-five years, they still “lived together.”
“What’s this about your dad being the culprit?” Jesse said. “Of your queen-of-dying moniker?”
Chloe danced with him, feeling his movements before he made them. “He’s not really, but Mom likes to tease him. When I was nine he cast me as a child cancer victim in one of his biggest projects.”
“And you got stuck somehow.”
“Somehow. Yes.”
The song ended, and the guests lightly applauded. Chloe backed away from Jesse as Ted, the best man, jumped onto the bandstand.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m Dylan’s brother, Ted, and his best man.”
Jesse reached to a passing server for two flutes of champagne and handed one to Chloe. “Can’t make a toast empty-handed.”
“—so I quote the great poet Christopher Marlowe: ‘Come live with me and be my Love...’”
Chloe breathed in the bubbles from her glass, listening to Ted’s voice rise and fall with each stanza. The sleeve of Jesse’s tuxedo brushed her arm, and she flushed with an intoxicating warmth.
“Raise your glass to the bride and groom, Dylan and Violet.”
Chloe raised her flute, but before she could take a sip, Jesse hooked his arm around hers. “To the bride and groom.”
“To the bride and groom.”
Chloe took a sip, then unraveled her arm from Jesse’s. “You don’t need to stay with me.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No, just letting you off the hook. I know Ted and Stella thought we’d pair up tonight, but—”
“But now that I know who your father is, I think I’ll stick around.” He hid his grin with another taste from the crystal flute.
“Finally, an honest actor.”
“Indeed, a rare breed in LA.”
“As long as we’re confessing, I don’t date actors. They’re arrogant and self-absorbed.”
He made a face. “But actresses are... ? Sugar and spice and everything nice?”
“Okay, so we have our flaws, but nothing compared to our male counterparts.”
“Duly noted, Miss Daschle.”
The band started another song. Jesse remained next to her, staring ahead.
“Are you mad?”
He glanced over at her. “Why would I be mad?”
“Just checking.”
He set his champagne glass on the bridal table and reached for her. “I love this song. My grandma used to play it on the piano when we were kids.”
The wedding singer crooned, “I love you, for sentimental reasons.”
