“I don’t get what he sees in her,” Ben says. “It makes no sense.”
I wrinkle my nose as we grab paper plates and fill them with burgers and onion rings. “Don’t say that. It sounds judgmental.”
“Oh, like you’re not judging her?” Ben laughs. “You’ve hated her from the moment you laid eyes on her.”
“That is not true.”
“What is it then? You jealous?”
“Of course not,” I say, grabbing ketchup and mustard and relish and anything else I can get my hands on in that moment. “Don’t be silly.”
“How many times did you two sleep together?” he asks next.
“Why do people think that’s an appropriate question to ask someone?” I punch him lightly in the arm, and he laughs.
“I’m just saying you and Logan have quite a history. I always thought for sure you two would…”
“Don’t,” I beg him. “It just…” Hurts too much.
“Well, I heard something from George this afternoon. Something related to Gigi that may make you a little angry.”
“What more could there be? I just saw her, and she nearly threw me into a blind rage.”
“She’s entered the target contest at Hunt County Fair.”
“What?”
66
I stare at Ben. “But that’s in a week!”
“She claims she learned everything she needs to know from you. George told me you gave her a quick lesson?”
“I did. But I have no idea why she’d enter the contest. She’s already called the heroine of Darcy so I guess that means she can pretty much do whatever the hell she wants in this town.”
Ginny mercifully calls to me. “Let’s go eat with Ginny,” I say to Ben as I head toward her.
This has got to be the longest party in creation. I’m hot and cranky and ready for it to end. Blake managed to extract a promise out of me that I’d go tubing with him, Logan, and Gigi tomorrow. I only agreed because Ginny sounded so excited, and she said Dave would join us also. Those two need as much relaxing time together as possible before their wedding, and I’ll support them as best I can.
So I said yes, and then I tried to leave the party. But the darn gift-giving started, and I knew it would be awkward if I was caught walking out in the middle. Gigi’s mother requested that a small platform stage be set up by the edge of the lake, so the famous, engaged couple is a good two feet above the rest of us mortals. And cameras are everywhere.
I stand in the back of the crowd with Mama and Daddy, hoping Logan will open my gift early on, yell out a thank you, and I can be on my way.
Daddy turns and catches my eye. His eyes are clear, so I know he’s sober, but he keeps fidgeting.
“So Gigi’s mother is married?” he asks me in a low voice.
“Daddy! She’s married to Gigi’s father.” I give him a stern look. “I thought you only flirted with other women when you were drinking.”
“True,” he says, his gaze shifting to the ground between us. “I just…she looks familiar.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ve never met her before,” I say. “She lives in New York City and has never been to Texas.”
“Never?”
“No.” I pause to think. “I mean, her husband’s obviously been to West Texas because he was there with Gigi. And he’s from Texas originally. So I suppose there’s a chance his wife could have gone on one of his business trips with him.”
Daddy looks up, and his face pales. “You don’t say.”
