“Liv,” Gabby snapped, “do not talk to my fiancé that way.”
“Am I lying?”
“That’s why you’re still single and you can’t get a man,” Gabby snapped again, her eyes flaring at me. “You do not know how to treat a man.”
“And you do?” My jaw dropped at her rudeness.
“I’m the one who’s engaged.” She flashed her ring, and I turned away, wanting so desperately to shout that I was the one who had fucked him the previous weekend.
“Girls.” Aiden spoke up again. “That’s enough, Gabby.”
“What? Liv is the one?—”
“You’re being rude to Liv and to Alice. Just stop it.”
The car was silent then. I didn’t think any of us could believe that Aiden had spoken like that to Gabby. He never told her off. The only two he seemed to ride were Scott and me. Even Chett didn’t get chastised much.
I turned around and looked at Xander again, but stopped myself from glaring at him because Henry was there. We were all more than ready to arrive at the restaurant, and Alice and I jumped out of the SUV quickly and walked toward the entrance.
“Who knew that Aiden would stick up for me?” She grinned, and I tried not to roll my eyes.
“So, we still sharing those pancakes?” Henry ran up to join us.
“Sounds like a plan to me.” I nodded and smiled. “Just remember?—”
“No bacon, I know.” He completed my sentence for me.
“Hmm, I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.” Alice held her hand out. “I’m Alice, Liv’s best friend and number one supporter.”
“Hi, Alice.” He shook her hand. “I’m Xander’s younger brother, Henry, and general underling.”
“Nice to meet you, underling.” Alice grinned.
“Nice to meet you, number one supporter.” He grinned back at her.
“Alice, I was hoping to speak to you.” Aiden was suddenly by her side, and I saw her looking over at him in glee.
“So, just why did you come this weekend?” I asked Henry as we walked into the restaurant to join my parents and Chett. I could hear Gabby and Xander talking behind us.
“Xander asked me to come.” Henry lowered his voice. “To be honest, I’d never heard of Gabby before this weekend.” He looked behind us for a quick second. “And she’s not the sort of girl I expected him to settle down with. I mean, I never thought he would get married, period.” He laughed.
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“My brother, Xander, is a playboy. A confirmed bachelor, so to speak. He always said he never had any intentions to get married or have kids.”
“Really?” I wanted so badly to turn around and ask Xander why he was marrying Gabby. “So, why do you think he’s marrying Gabby?”
“My mom said that Xander would marry when he fell in love.” He grinned. “She always said she didn’t give birth to robots, and the day would come when a woman claimed his heart, and he’d never be the same again. I guess that day came.”
“Oh, wow. So, you think he really loves her then?”
“What do I know?” Henry shrugged and looked away.
“What? What aren’t you telling me?”
“I don’t want to be rude.” Henry made a face. “But I just didn’t think someone like Gabby would ever be his type. I know she’s your sister and all, but she’s just so …” His voice trailed off, and I laughed.
“She’s a bitch.”
