Damn.
It’s Jax’s sister. Melany, I think her name is . . . No, Bethany. Even her name sounds sensual. Saying it is like taking a deep breath.
Dammit, Jax! Why do you have to have such a pretty sister? It’s just not cool, man. And I was about to leave too. But now I feel compelled to stay. What is it that I’m feeling? I need to find out.
She might be Jax’s sister, but there’s nothing wrong with just talking to her.
4
Bethany
I’mready for another drink. They’re going down easily tonight. I turn to Julia who’s honestly boring tonight. She keeps pulling Jax into private conversations, like I’m not standing right here.
Yeah, yeah. I know. They’re in love. But we’re here to drink, and that’s what we’re going to do. I mean, it’s not like we’re here to flirt with anyone. They’re married and I’m apparently off limits.
“Come on, finish your beer,” I say, and jab Julia’s arm with a perfectly manicured finger, maybe a little harder than I intended.
Julia looks at me and her eyebrows go up. “Um . . . what’s the rush?”
“The rush,” I say, “is that I’m about to get another round.”
Jax, who had slipped his arms around Julia from behind, looks at me. “Actually . . . we’re thinking about taking off after this one.”
“What? But I just got here.” I poke him with a finger now too.
“It’s been an hour,” Julia offers soothingly.
But I don’t care. “Come on, guys! I thought we were going to hang out tonight and have a good time.”
“That wasthe plan,” Julia mutters, giving Jax a look.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I demand. Now I’m pissed. I think any man here would be lucky to have me. I’m loyal and pour my heart and soul into making it work. But no. My honorable little brother had to make sure no one took advantage of his helpless sister. Because it’s not like I’m an adult who can make her own decisions.
Julia looks to Jax for help. I hate how they do that. Cast each other looks before responding to me.
Jax looks at me like he’s worried. Come on.
“Maybe you should slow down a little,” he says, holding out a hand.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you knew what my optimal drinking speed was, little brother. I guess I should’ve though, because you apparently know what’s in my best interests. Is there any aspect of my life where you don’t think you know what’s best for me?”
“Come on, Beth. That’s not fair,” my brother says. He looks wounded, and for a second I’m worried I’ve crossed the line.
Julia chimes in, “that’s pretty rich coming from you, Miss I-Move-Parties-Around.”
Any worry I was feeling evaporates.
These two, I swear. The most ungrateful people in the world. Did I meddle in their lives by tricking my brother into coming to my birthday party when he made it clear he didn’t want to attend?
Yes.
And did it work out perfectly?
Yes. They were meant for each other. But they wouldn’t have gotten together if it wasn’t for me. And still, they give me crap for sticking my nose into their business.
I’m too mad to respond, so I get the bartender’s attention instead. She’s so pretty. Jax told me her name earlier, but I can’t remember.
Look — I’m pretty drunk. But I’m not out of control or anything. Jax and Julia just don’t want me to have fun for some reason.
