Gage’s eyes are sparkling with mischief. “And I have it on good authority that she’s kissed Jacob too. That’s three for three in the Ricks family.”
I can’t stop blushing. “I think your mom wants you, Gage.”
“Come with me, Jess. You can meet the devil herself."
"You're Jess?" Angel's painted red lips turn up in a smirk after Nate stumbles through the introductions. She looks me up and down. "I guess I expected more."
I ignore her 'not even thinly veiled' insult and focus on Nate. For as much as he's changed outside, he acts just as awkward and shy as before. I still feel terrible about everything I did to him, but I don't think this is a good time to apologize. "How's school?"
"Taking a break." Nate tightens his grip on Angel's waist.
"Exploring other options," Angel adds. "What about you?"
"I just finished my first semester at WSU, but I'm starting summer classes next week," I say, but Angel turns her back on me before I finish.
"Hey babe." She puts her arms around Nate's neck and leans in. "Remember how you said we'd only stay a couple of minutes?" She kisses his neck. "Time's up."
"You haven't eaten, or said hi to Steve, or really anyone," Trina says.
Angel ignores Trina and pulls herself closer to Nate, resting her forehead against his. "Remember that place we were going to go to, babe?" She kisses him in a way that makes my face burn. "We don't want to be late."
Nate looks uncomfortable as he pulls away from her. "Sorry, we have a thing. I promised Angel."
"Seriously?" Gage’s face is red too, but for a different reason. "What about hanging out with your brother? The one you aren't going to see for an entire year."
Angel turns back to Gage, her arms still around Nate's neck. "Not our fault. You're the one who sold your soul to Uncle Sam."
"At least I didn't sell it to one of Hell's angels," Gage says.
Nate steps away from Angel. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're the smart one," Gage says. "I'm pretty sure you can figure it out."
Gage stands his ground as Nate moves closer, his fists clenched. "You don'tknow—"
Trina steps between them. "Please, Nate, just stay a little while longer. We’ve hardly seen you."
Nate looks from his mom to Angel. A tortured look crosses his face. "Sorry Mom. Angel's right. This is Gage's choice. We can’t stay." He raises his hand. "See you on the other side, bro."
For once, Gage is speechless.
"Bye," Angel waggles her fingers in our direction. A satisfied smile crosses her lips as Nathan tucks her under his arm and they walk away.
The barbecue ends with a big bonfire and everyone sitting around talking. I'm alone, staring into the flames. Michael left early after saying he had "arrangements" to make. I guess that means he has a date. That thought does little to ease the weight of guilt I’ve carried this whole weekend. I'm sure the whole "Nathan screwing up his life" thing is my fault, and I completely screwed up everything with Jacob.
Matthew is cradling Kendra in his arms a few feet away from me. She’s crying. “I changed my mind, Matt. Let’s just do it now, tonight. I don’t care about a big wedding. I just want to be your wife.”
He kisses her forehead. “I would do it in a heartbeat, babe, but we don’t have a marriage license, and your parents would kill us if we got married without them.” She lays her head against his shoulder. “Just keep planning the wedding. Time will fly by. Don’t worry, I’ll be standing right by you when you take your vows. I promise.”
My eyes fill with tears, and I feel like I’m eavesdropping, so I walk away. I find Gage sitting by himself on the fringe of the group.
I walk over and take his hand. He grins at me. “You'd better not do that. Mom told everyone here that you're Jacob’s girlfriend. I don’t want them getting the wrong idea about us.”
I keep his hand and close my eyes. "I'm sorry about everything with Nathan, I—"
"Not your fault, Jess. Nate has the freedom to screw up his life on his own. We've fought our whole lives. He's being an idiot now, but we're brothers and we love each other. We'll work things out." He nudges me, noticing the tears. "You okay?"
I want to ask him about Jacob, about what he might know about Laini. If he knows anything, I don’t think he would tell me the truth. I'm sure there's some unbreakable brother code about that. "Just thinking. About you and Matt leaving. I’m worried about you guys.”
