“And who’s this handsome young man?”
“Auntie Greta, this is Daniel. Trevor’s friend from college.” Bailey’s voice is strained but polite.
“Daniel Williams.” I extend my hand.
Aunt Greta takes it, patting it with both of hers. “My goodness. Trevor said you were successful, but he didn’t mention you were so handsome. Do you have a wife?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Auntie,” Bailey warns.
“I’m just asking! He’s too handsome to be single. What’s wrong with you, young man? Married to your work?”
“Something like that.”
“Shame.” She pats my hand again. “You two would make beautiful babies.”
Bailey chokes on nothing.
“Auntie, I think Uncle Joe needs help with the grill—”
“Oh!” Another aunt materializes, phone in hand. “You’re that Daniel Williams. I saw you on the news. Something about your ex-girlfriend?”
My spine goes rigid.
“I don’t comment on personal matters.”
“She said you were cold. You sure don't look cold to me. I bet you'd melt the buttons right off my shirt.”
“Aunt Linda,” Bailey cuts in. “That’s inappropriate.”
“I’m just saying—”
“And I’m saying you can’t say that.” Bailey steps slightly closer to me. It’s adorable how she’s trying to protect me even though I can see the top of her head. “Daniel is here as Trevor’s guest, not as entertainment.”
Aunt Linda huffs but backs off, muttering about “young people these days.”
Aunt Greta pats my arm. “Don’t mind, Linda. She’s nosy. Always has been.” She leans in conspiratorially. “Between you and me, anyone who makes it into the news that much must be doing something right.”
“Or something wrong,” I mutter.
She laughs, delighted. “I like him, Bailey. Much better than that Derek boy.”
Bailey’s face flames. “Okay, let’s get you some punch—”
“Derek was a cheater,” Aunt Greta continues, apparently unconcerned with discretion. “Bailey caught him with the neighbor. Did she tell you?”
“Auntie!”
I glance at Bailey. She’s mortified, color high in her cheeks, eyes darting anywhere but at me. How much more adorable can she get?
“I didn’t tell you the best part,” Aunt Greta continues. “She threatened to cut off his—”
“Okay!” Bailey grabs Greta's arm and steers her away. “We’re going to go… anywhere else.”
She shoots me an apologetic and embarrassed look over her shoulder, but I just shrug. I’m left standing alone, fighting the urge to smile.
