My smile is wistful. No. When I married Dante, it didn’t feel right.
“I mean,” she continues, “when you’re in love, it seems to be the right thing to do. But it’s the aftermath that matters.”
“Can you picture yourself growing old with him?”
“Absolutely.” She turns her eyes toward the sky. “We’ll drive each other nuts in a good way.” She hurries to add, “But he only found out I can fix old car engines yesterday.”
I raise a brow. “Because you disconnected his spark plugs.”
She pouts. “He deserved it.”
“For suggesting you invite your mother?”
“I did,” she admits with averted eyes. “She preferred to sip margaritas with her new boyfriend in Mexico.”
“Oh, Jazz. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay.” She looks back at me. “I didn’t expect her to come. It’s probably for the best. You know how we fight. She would’ve totally spoiled my day.” Picking up steam again, she rushes on. “But the point is, shouldn’t we know each other before taking such a big step?”
“I think you do know each other.” I fix a curl that escaped her updo. “You know everything that matters. If his actions are anything to go by, he definitely loves you.” I give her a soft smile. “Very much.”
“He is very supportive of my career,” she muses.
“That, he is.”
“He’s not meddling.”
“No, he’s not.”
Jazz got the leading role in Moulin Rouge on her own merit. Reviewers are raving about her talent. She’s just signed a contract for a role in a new musical that’s being written especially for her. There’s no higher accolade for a Broadway actress.
She nudges me. “I guess we’re famous.”
I grin. “I guess you could say that.”
The home organization business grew so much last year that I turned it into a franchise. When a reality television show producer approached me, I decided to give it a go. The show is doing well. It’s been breaking viewership records since the start of the first season. People love to see a fresh look on a decluttered house. My agent has just negotiated a multi-million dollar-deal for the coming year.
She shifts her feet. “I think I need a drink.”
“Jasper Everson, are you delaying because you’re having wedding jitters?”
Her expression sobers. “I’ll admit I’m a little scared.”
“That’s normal. We’re all scared of love.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Are we?”
“We’re scared of getting hurt. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
She squares her shoulders. “You’re right. I’m being a coward. I’ve been running from commitment my whole life because I don’t want to end up like my parents.”
I put a hand on her shoulder. “Trust me, you won’t. I know your parents, and you’re nothing like them.”
Taking another deep breath, she faces the door. “I’m ready now.”
Just as I’m about to move forward, she twirls toward me. “No, wait.” Throwing her arms around my neck, she hugs me tightly. “I love you, Tiana. Thanks for always being there for me.”
“Love you too, Jazz.”
