Page 21 of Puck and Prejudice

Don’t say anything to him yet, Jackson, I think as I reach for the doorknob. It turns, but the door won’t open.

What the hell!

I try again, putting more muscle into it. Nothing. I lean forward and check the space between the door and the frame. Fuck. The lock didn’t release. I lean against the door and try the latch again. It doesn’t budge. Great. I’m stuck in the bathroom. I stick my hand in my pocket to get my phone but come up empty. Hell. My phone is still in the car.

I bet I could take the door off its hinges, but I’ll save that as a last resort. I pound on the door instead and call for help. Is this humiliating? Sure. But waiting until someone notices I’ve been gone too long is worse. The problem is that the bathroom is pretty far down the hallway, and the Bennet family doesn’t know the meaning of inside voice. They’re a loud bunch.

I bang and yell for a minute or so before I give up. I guess it’s time for plan B.

* * *

IZZIE

Besides Lydia and me, everyone at the table is buzzed. However, Lydia doesn’t need alcohol to act foolish. I chose to remain sober to keep in an eye on my parents. I don’t want their drunk antics to mess things up for Jane. Chad wouldn’t care or notice anything amiss—I don’t think—but Jackson most definitely would. I know he’s paying close attention to us all, and no doubt compiling a mile-long list of reasons his best friend shouldn’t marry into our crazy family.

Thinking of the devil, he’s been gone a while. It’s possible Mom’s food didn’t agree with his stomach or he decided to snoop around. I get up from the table, and no one notices. My parents, Lydia, and Jane are too engrossed in a story Chad’s telling.

It’s only when I’m in the hallway that leads to the bathroom that I hear Jackson calling for help. Shit. He’s trapped in the bathroom. ItoldDad that lock needed to be replaced.

Before I can say I’ll get him out, the door explodes forward, almost hitting me.

I jump back, pressing a hand against my chest. “Son of a bitch!”

Jackson falls out, sees me standing there, and widens his eyes. “Oh God, did I get you?”

My pulse is racing, and it takes me a moment to answer, “No, but it was close. Did you kick the door open?”

“I had no choice. I’ve been calling for help for a while.”

Chad, Jane, Mom, Dad, and Lydia join us, crowding the hallway.

“What did you do?” Chad asks Jackson.

“I got stuck in the bathroom.” He looks at my father. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Bennet. I’ll pay for the repairs. In fact, I’ll call my contractor right now and have someone come today.”

“It’s okay, son.” Dad looks at the dent Jackson left in the door—his foot almost came through the wood. “You were right, Izzie. I really should have fixed that lock.”

“I think we should head out,” Chad announces. “We’ve clearly overstayed our welcome.” He looks pointedly at Jackson, and the man seems remorseful.

“Right,” Jackson replies.

“But we didn’t give you a tour of the stables!” Jane pouts.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Another time.”

Jackson approaches Dad and hands him a business card. “Call me if you have any issues with my contractor. There shouldn’t be any, but here’s my contact information just the same.”

“Thank you, Jackson.”

He turns to my mother. “Thank you for a lovely lunch, Mrs. Bennet.”

Mom smiles proudly. “You’re more than welcome, Jackson. Don’t be a stranger. You’re welcome to visit any time. Maybe Izzie can you give you a tour of the stables then.”

Hell and damn. She won’t quit. Did she not notice when Jackson became all tense when she mentioned I was single? He obviously has zero interest in dating me, not that I care. I don’t want to date him either.

He looks at me but reveals nothing. The man sure can be an enigma when he wants to. He doesn’t say anything to me or Mom.

“I’ll walk you out,” Jane butts in, saving me from the awkward moment.

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