“Youfinallydecided to marry my daughter.”
Fred laughs into his beer.
“Don’t forget the babies,” Jose adds. “Twelve years old now, yes?”
Julian sighs dramatically. “I’m sensing judgment.”
“Nah. Observation,” I chuckle.
“You had kids before you got around to the ceremony.” Fred claps his son on the back. “Bold strategy, son. Good thing she hasn’t left you in the dust.”
Julian lifts his glass again. “Marisol and I have always done things on our own time.”
The laughter spreads around the table easily.
Irving turns his attention to me. The focus starts out subtle, but I brace for what’s coming.
“So…” he says casually.
I know exactly where this is going.
“So,” I repeat.
“You and Skylar.”
My beer pauses halfway to my mouth. Julian glances between us.
I manage not to cough. “What about Sky?”
Irving nods at Julian. “You’re telling me you and Marisol didn’t notice?”
Fred raises an eyebrow.
Julian’s eyebrows pinch together in confusion. “Notice what?”
Irving smiles slowly. “The change.”
Great. I’m gonna have to kill him.
I take a sip of beer before asking, “What change?”
“Don’t play. You and I both know why you flew her over here.” Irving snorts.
Julian sets his glass down. “Oh.”
There it is. My turncoat friend. Irving’s outed us before we’re ready for the masses. I should be mad, but strangely I feel free. I run a hand through my hair.
“Things with me and Sky have…progressed,” I admit.
Julian blinks once. “Progressed?”
“Yes.”
Irving cheeses. “You dirty dog. You didn’t confirm or deny.”
“Huh.” Julian chuckles quietly. “Took long enough. I wonder if Marisol knows.”
“Fifteen years of tension is impressive.” Irving nudges me.
