“Hedoesprefer to be a passenger princess,” I add, chuckling again.
“Oh, is he ever!? I swear. We took a road trip to Michigan last Fall, and he had a blanket, pillow, and snack bag ready to go. I drove the entire way. He said he would be my designated snack feeder. Whichwas really just him shoving chips into my mouth and then letting me drink whatever was leftover ofhissoda.”
I’ve never seen this laid back, somewhat jokey side of Zoey. She’s always been more stuck up. Definitely perky and bubbly, but never funny. Seems like the safe area to keep the conversation is poking fun at Jacky. Luckily, I’ve got years of funny moments with my goofy bro.
“Have you ever gone to the movies with Jacky?” I ask.
We’re at a red light and she turns to face me. “Do. Not. Get. Me. Started.”
I can’t hold it back any longer. I start laughing so hard. Jacky is so weird about going to the movies. He’s a huge movie buff and is obsessed with having the perfect viewing experience.
“Let me guess,” I say, heaving in air because I’m laughing so hard. “You tried to buy the tickets.”
“I tried to buy the tickets!”Zoey shouts.
I start laughing all over again. “Which seats did you pick?”
“Towards the back, where it was darker and more private. I was, you know, trying to be romantic. We were going to watch a romantic comedy for Pete’s sake!”
I shake my head and hold my stomach, trying to picture how my brother might have looked at the moment. “Did he change seats?” I ask, wiping tears from my face because I’m laughing so hard.
Zoey relaxes and smiles. “No. He explained for the next fifteen minutes where the best seats in the theatre are, and that they are the best because of the sound quality and viewing ease.” She rolls her eyes, then a light blush colors her cheeks. “I offered to try and change our seats multiple times, not knowing how important it was to him. Then, he told me it didn’t matter where we sat, as long as I was in the seat next to him.”
I cut off my laughter, absolutely floored. “He stayed in the back row for an entire movie?” Jacky has walked out of movies when I got seats that weren’t in hisperfectspot. It’s an annoying quirk about him, but he’s otherwise one of the most easy-going people you’ll ever meet. I can’t help but feel jealous. I let the last part of what Zoey said about that story sink in, too. “Guess my brother really likes you, huh?” I ask,looking out the window, and gripping the handle above the passenger door.
“We love each other, Margr..Margeaux,” she says.
“I’m not trying to get in the way of your and Jacky’s relationship,” I say, only half-believing myself.
“I appreciate that. Let’s get a coffee and maybe a cake pop!” she beams, trying to change the subject, and I’m very appreciative of her effort.
We walk inside, order our drinks, and then take a seat at a small table outside. I take a sip of my coffee too soon, and the hot scalding liquid burns the tip of my tongue.
“I owe you a few apologies,” Zoey starts, fidgeting with the coffee collar of her drink.
I arch an eyebrow at her, holding my burnt tongue back, and letting her continue.
She looks down at her lap and takes in a big breath. “I spoke with Colleen. You remember Colleen?”
I nod slowly, again. Worried my words will come out more harshly than I intend. How could I forget Colleen? She’s the girl that was being felt up by that rich douchebag during the bachelorette party but claimed nothing was happening. So, yea. I remember her.
“Like I said, I spoke with her after the bachelorette weekend was over and done with.” She pauses again, brushing her fingers through her perfectly highlighted hair. “She didn’t want that guy touching her like that. She just didn’t want to make a scene during my special weekend.”
My blood is boiling hotter than my coffee.
What the fuck do I say to this?I told you so. I fucking knew it.
“You were so right about everything that night, Margeaux. I- I’m so sorry.” Her light eyes start welling up with tears. I wish I felt some sympathy for her, but I don’t.
“Whatexactlyare you sorry about?” I ask. I feel like people apologize in general and don’t truly mean the words they say. I think they hope that just by saying the words that all can be forgiven.
“A bunch of things. I should have given you the benefit of thedoubt that night. I shouldn’t have been such a diva. I was so nervous about making a good impression with you, and then you strolled in like a flipping rockstar. I felt like I couldn’t compete. I just wanted to impress you, and show that I’m a strong, confident woman, who is worthy of marrying your brother.”
“It’s not a competition,” I tell her, relaxing slightly in my chair. This is the most Zoey, and I have spoken. I kind of like seeing this frazzled version of her.
“Yea. Okay,” she scoffs.
“What?”
