“Before I go, do all of your names start with a P?” I’m pretty sure every sibling he’s mentioned had a P name.
“Yep. Clearly, my parents have a sense of humor.”
“I think it’s adorable.” It’s not a lie. A little too matchy-matchy for my tastes, but cute.
Parker clears his throat. “I’ll let you go. Feel free to text, or call, anytime.”
Did I say something to offend him? If so, I didn’t mean to. Maybe it was too friendly. This is something I don’t need to overthink, but I know it’ll occupy my thoughts.
“Thanks, Parker. Bye.”
“Talk to you later, Jasmin.”
I wait until the screen goes dark and sit up in my bed. My phone flies out of my hand and hits the floor with a thud. My sister is standing in the doorway, smirking at me.
“What the hell are you doing, Daniela?” I didn’t even hear her open my door. I’m almost certain I closed it.
“I was coming to see if you called the winery.” She glances at the phone on the floor and then at my face. “But it looks like you did.”
I bend over and grab my phone. Daniela saunters in here like she owns the place. I really need to move out of my parents’ house. I know Daniela will move out as soon as she gets married. Hell, I’m surprised she’s here tonight. She’s almost always at Jacob’s place.
“Yep. We got the number situated, and he was telling me about some plans about trying to keep the guests cool during the ceremony.”
“It sounded like you were talking about more. In a…more flirty way.”
“Stop trying to match make me.” I groan. “Besides, shouldn’t you be working on wedding stuff.”
“That’s actually why I’m in here.” She pauses and taps her fingers on the edge of my bed. “I hope you don’t have any plans this weekend. I made an appointment with the flower shop in Asheville and I want to check out the town while we’re there.”
“Why do you keep springing these things on me?” It’s not like I have anything to do, but some warning would be nice.
“It was a last-minute decision. Jacob’s mom kept bugging me about using her florist, and I refuse to let that woman take control of my wedding.”
“Why is she being like that? I thought y’all got along.”
“We do. But she relishes event planning and apparently this is the thing she wants to take over.” She runs her hands down her face. “It’s frustrating.”
“I’ll run interference if you need me to.” Being the bad guy isn’t something I love, but I’ll do it for my baby sister.
“Thank you.” She gives me a quick hug and rushes back toward the door. “You might want to figure out your plus one soon. I heard Mom on the phone talking to one of her friends about their son.”
“She’s not!”
“You know better than that, Jas.” She grabs the doorknob, gives me a quick wave, and leaves my room.
There’s no way in hell I’m letting my mom set me up with someone. Before I even know what I’m doing, I press Parker’s number and send him a text.
Jasmin: You said you’d help however you can, right?
Parker: Yeah, did something change?
Jasmin: Yes and no. I need a plus one for the wedding. You game?
A few minutes go by and I’m certain he’s going to say no. Not that I blame him. He doesn’t know me that well, and it’s an odd request. I shouldn’t have sent the message. What was I thinking?
There are bubbles by his name, and whatever he’s typing must be an essay.
Parker: Let’s do it.
