I smiled and looked down.
"Look," he said. "I don't want you to think for some reason you're not worth Alex Jordan's time. You're smart, kind, and beautiful. He's lucky to have you in his life."
"Dad," I said. "Please."
"Look, all I'm saying is, if Alex really likes you, it's because of who you are, and you shouldn't feel like it's a mistake."
"Thanks." I glanced down at my phone.
"Call him or text him or whatever it is you do." He rolled his eyes. "You've spent more than enough time with your old dad."
"Thanks." I placed my hand over his. "I love you, you know."
"I love you too, Jocelyn, and I'm really proud of you."
Alex picked me up from the restaurant and took me back to his house. Jack and Sarah were having a small gathering to celebrate Evan's graduation. When we pulled up, there were at least thirty cars surrounding the property. I waited for Alex to open my door and help me out of the car.
"I thought you said a little gathering." I looked at the cars and suddenly felt anxious. Max rarely entertained unless it was poker night, so I wasn't used to those types of crowds.
"This is small for my parents." He laughed as he took my hand and led me up the path to the front door.
"Who are all these people?"
"Just family and friends, and some of my father's colleagues from the hospital,"
he said as we walked into the foyer.
The house was filled with tons of people I didn't know. I looked around and then back at Alex.
"Don't be nervous." He pulled me to him and kissed my forehead. "You look beautiful. I love this dress."
"Thanks. I picked it out for you."
"It's very sexy." He gently kissed my lips. "You better stay close to me, so everyone knows you're mine."
"Jocelyn," Sarah called as she walked into the foyer. "Alex, let go of her for two minutes so I can give her a hug."
"Yes, Mom." Alex rolled his eyes, and I was disappointed when he let go of me.
Sarah pulled me into a hug and said, "Congratulations, sweetie. Did you bring your dad?"
"No." I smiled. "He doesn't really do social functions."
"Come on." She pulled me through the kitchen with Alex following close behind.
"I want you to meet some people."
I turned to Alex for some sort of assistance, but he just looked at me apologetically and mouthed, "I'm sorry."
Sarah pulled me around the house like a little rag doll, introducing me as Alex's girlfriend to all her guests. I felt awkward, but I liked being introduced that way, especially when Julia was around.
Ha!I bet Sarah never introduced her to Jack's colleagues as her son's girlfriend.
His one and only . . . his one true love. Well, maybe I was getting ahead of myself, butstill.
After half an hour, Sarah was finally finished with me, but I had lost Alex. Evan came up from behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Where have you been, klutzy?" He spun me around and took in my attire.
