“I mean, Ursula isthebest Disney villain.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “I’m a Hades guy myself.”
“Maleficent all the way,” Ryan added.
Kaylani shoved a finger into his chest. “That’s only because you think she’s hot.”
“Hey!” He held up his hands in defense. “She’s got a certain something going on.”
Plus, her makeup was, according to my sister, “snatched.” Bella had dressed as the Disney villain for Halloween years ago.
I grinned. “It’s the horns, am I right?”
Ryan’s cheeks flushed, making his fiancée laugh. Something told me that these two had done a bit of Maleficent roleplay at one time or another. Funnily enough, I had never given much thought to roleplay with past partners. Now that I was a seasoned fake boyfriend, I might have to switch that up.
“How long are you two in town?”
“Just through the festival,” Kaylani answered.
“I finally convinced Kay to take a long overdue break,” Ryan said. “Plus, I haven’t been to a Buns and Roses Festival since we were kids, so—”
“So,” Nessa said. Her one word cut through the pleasantries more efficiently than a steak knife. “You two are getting married?”
The question might have been aimed at both Ryan and Kaylani, but it was clear that Nessa was only interested in Kaylani’s response.
“We are,” Kaylani answered timidly. “And I wanted to tell you sooner, but it’s been a bit of whirlwind.” Her words rushed out of her. “Ryan proposed last week in New York, right before I calledyou. But then you had to go, and I had to catch a flight, so I figured we would just tell you in person when I got home and—”
“It’s my fault,” Ryan interrupted. “I asked Kay to wait to tell you. To tell everybody, really. Selfishly, I wanted a few days for us to enjoy our engagement before we shared it with everyone. I’m sorry we’re springing it on you like this.”
I had to give the guy some credit for stepping up. From what little interaction we had had so far, Ryan and Kaylani both seemed like decent people. Then again, I didn’t know a thing about either of them or their history with Nessa. With the way Nessa was clinging to me, the man who nicked her every nerve, there had to be more to this picture-perfect scene.
She was hurting, and because of that, I needed to know who, what, when, where, and why.Whohad hurt her,whathad made them think they could get away with it,whenthey wanted me to beat the shit out of them,wherethey wanted the beating, and reasonswhyI should let them live.
See, Mr. Teller. I was paying attention in English class.
“Congratulations,” I offered. “I’d love to get you some tickets to a game if you’re interested?”
And just like that, Nessa’s wrath found a new target: my hand. Good thing I wasn’t pitching today. I might need to see the team’s doctor with the way that she was squeezing my fingers.
“Are you serious?” Ryan asked.
“That would be amazing,” Kaylani added before launching into a fit of excitement. “Are you on the festival committee, too? Oh my gosh, we should all get together for dinner this weekend. Or maybe lunch, depending on your schedule?”
“Kay, baby, it’s nine a.m.” Ryan nodded his head toward their car. “I’m sure they have shit to do. He’s got a game this afternoon.”
“And Nessie-poo has to give me myspecialbirthday present before then.” Just for good measure, and because she hadbasically given me carte blanche, I rested my chin on her shoulder. “Isn’t that right, angel?”
If looks could kill.
“Right,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Happy birthday!”
“I’ll text you, okay?” Kaylani asked while backtracking toward their car. “Later tonight.”
Nessa nodded. “Yeah, okay. Get some rest.”
“Will do.”
