“Not a joke, Pierce.”
“But…how? Just…how?” His eyes keep darting back and forth between the two of us, looking more and more confused.
It’s at that moment Gemma chooses to come over to us.
“Oh boy.”
“Hey…” Her eyes immediately zero in on Simon’s and my joined hands. “What are you two doing?”
“Can’t a girl bring her boyfriend to family dinner?” My voice is casual, not betraying the nerves that are now pumping through me.
Faking this thing to the town is one thing. To my family, that I’m close with? It’s going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
I only hope they can forgive me for lying to them when all is said and done.
“Wait, what?” Gemma looks as stunned as Pierce was only moments ago. “You’re not dating anyone.”
“Ouch.” Simon forces some hurt into his voice, but when I look up at him, he gives me a wink.
“I tried setting you up a few weeks ago and you said you were on a self-imposed dating hiatus.”
“Because I was dating him”—I point to Simon—“and it would’ve been bad to say yes to a date when you’re already with someone.”
“Dating? Tell them what you really are,” Pierce interrupts.
“What’s that?” Gemma turns to him.
“Fiancées. They are engaged.”
“Thank you, Pierce, you’re so helpful.” I give him a fake smile.
“You’re engaged?!” Gemma’s voice is a screech over the low noise of activity. “Actually engaged?”
“Can we not do this here?” I wince. Inquisitive eyes turn in our direction.
“You didn’t tell me you got engaged!” Gemma’s fuming. I wouldn’t be surprised if smoke started coming out of her ears. My sister is not one to get mad. She’s probably the most even-keeled Winchester.
But now? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so mad.
“You’re engaged? Since when?” Logan walks up. His pace is slow with rehab pushing him harder and harder. He sips his beer, eyeing the two of us.
“How’s your leg feeling?” I try to deflect the conversation off me.
Gemma waves a hand in front of him. “Oh no. Logan can wait. You’ll see him later.”
“Gee, thanks Gem,” he scoffs.
She rolls her eyes at him in the way only a little sister can. “Don’t you want to know all about Layla’sengagement?”
Logan’s eyes drift back to mine. “Yeah, whendidthis happen? And who is said fiancé?”
Simon reaches across me, extending his hand to my brother. “Simon Belvy. The fiancé in question.”
“Okay. We have the who. How about the when?” Gemma asks, crossing her arms.
“I need a drink for this.”
“Want me to go get you something, love?”
