“That’s the wrong way to look at it, Parker. You need to speak it into existence.” She smiles at me. “Now go get some research done. It’ll keep your mind off that girl you met last month.”
“How did you know?”
“Please, you haven’t been the same since that night. I knew there was chemistry when I was watching the two of you.”
“You should be a lot less creepy.” I don’t bother telling her it doesn’t mean anything. Me and relationships don’t go together. But I know she’ll argue her point.
I’m perfectly capable of wanting to spend time with someone without it turning into anything more. Too bad I’ll never see her again.
Two
Jasmin
The last thing I want to do is hear this story again. My sister has told it a million times since Valentine’s Day and it’s getting on my nerves. Of course, I’m happy for her. But it doesn’t change.
“Then he pulled the blindfold from my eyes and stood me in front of a sign lit up with the words ‘Marry Me’. He was down on his knee to the side. It was so freaking sweet.” She shows the picture to everyone around the table. As if we haven’t seen it before, and not only us, our mom, and brother. “I’m so happy he hired a photographer to capture the moment.”
“So sweet.” Mom nods her head while taking a sip of her coffee. “I’m glad to have him as part of the family.”
“He’s happy to be a part of it, too.” She smiles at her phone as if her fiancé is actually here.
“Now if we could find your sister someone…” Mom lets the sentence drift off. She knows this is a hot topic for me. I have nothing against relationships, but I need to spend some time with myself.
So much of my life has revolved around taking care of things for our family. Making sure everything happens when it’s supposed to that I’d like to focus on me in my adulthood. Why can’t anyone else understand?
“Mom, I’m not looking for love. There’s too much I want to do before I even think about settling down.”
“Your baby sister is getting married before you. That’s not right.” She sets her cup on the table. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy.” The urge to roll my eyes is strong. It takes everything in me not to because I know she’ll see it as a sign of disrespect, and that’s a whole other can of worms. Dad doesn’t give me this treatment. Honestly, I don’t think he cares if I ever get married. I wish he were here to defend me instead of at work. “And I’m excited for Daniela, but you can’t force your ideas of happiness on me.”
“If you marry her off, who is going to help me with my class work?” Adam groans.
“You shouldn’t need my help. All of your classes are pretty much the same introductory ones you had last semester.”
“Yeah, but I hate working on it by myself.” He lays his head on the table. “I miss high school.”
Mom shakes her head and stands to leave the table. It’s a sign for the rest of us to clean up the mess from breakfast.
But Daniela makes a noise before she gets too far. “Before you go, I have a question.” My sister turns toward me. “Would you be my maid of honor?”
I knew this question was coming. As annoying as she’s being about her engagement, we’re still each other’s best friend.
“Of course.” I wrap my arms around her to give her a hug. “I’d be offended if you didn’t ask. This day should be perfect for you. But…I’m not wearing some horrible color in the wedding.”
“Thank God.” She gives me a quick squeeze before releasing me. “I don’t know what I would do without you helping me plan this wedding. I asked Jacob, but he told me whatever I want is fine with him.”
“He doesn’t want to help you with planning?” They are the couple that does everything together. It’s weird he doesn’t want to help with this.
“He does. But not the location. He said he didn’t care if we got married in an alley.”
“That’s not romantic.” It would be funny to see us all dressed to the nines while standing in small space.
“Not even a little bit. I want the wedding to happen in a few months so we need to figure out a place sooner rather than later. I want something outside and beautiful. I thought about the botanical gardens, but they charge an absurd amount.”
“Is there a reason you want it to happen so soon?” Mom glances over the counter from us to Daniela’s stomach.
“Oh my God, Mom. I’m not pregnant.” Both of us burst out in laughter.
