Page 8 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

“Because I was embarrassed.I didn’t tell anyone really except Abi and my dad.But Abi’s been good about helping me get over him.”

“You mean picking up guys at the river?”It actually bothers me more than it should, and I don’t know why.

“Yeah.It’s been fun.”Her voice betrays her.Maybe she still misses Rick.

“Why did you break up?”

“He dumped me because he’s going to be a hotshot politician, and said I wasn’t savvy or pretty enough to be his wife.”

What an asshole.Every fiber of my being wants to go beat the shit out of this guy, but I hold it together.Perhaps I can get in touch with a few of my frat brothers and see if any of them have mafia ties.No one’s ever talked about it, but Adam might.

“That’s ridiculous.Mae, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I’m not exaggerating.You’re smart and funny, and you can get people to do things.Who organized a whole host of girls to pretend I was a celebrity this morning?You.That’s not why he broke up with you.”

She swallows and lays her head against my chest.Something inside me lurches.She fits perfectly right there.

“It’s what he said.It doesn’t matter anyway.I don’t want to live in D.C., so it’s better that we’re not together.”Her voice is hollow, and I’m not sure what to make of it.I don’t know if she wants him back or if she was so hurt she pushed out all the emotion.

The song ends, but I don’t let go of her.I want to understand her pain.Before I can push her any further though, Abi barrels through the crowd, panting and huffing.“Isaac’s gonna kill me.I need you to help me wrangle up the lemurs.”

I crease my eyebrows.“We have lemurs?”

Abi nods.“Come on, Mae.You’re the only one Sissy likes, and the others will follow her.I didn’t mean to let them out.”

I don’t think I even want to know.Mae’s eyes meet mine.

“This conversation isn’t over.Go.Rescue the lemurs, and come back to me.”

She bites her lip, letting Abi drag her from the room.

I make my way to Mark and Noah, fully intent on finding out why we have lemurs, when a hand slips into mine.

“I believe you just lost your dance partner,” Mom says.“Can I take her place?”

I grin and spin her in a circle.“You’ll always be my number one.”

She chuckles and rests her hand on my arm, forcing me into a proper frame.Mom made us all take ballroom dance lessons as boys, and I’ve not forgotten.

“I certainly hope that’s not true.I would like to see you settle down.”She gives me a wink.

“I’m not the settling type, Mom.”Traveling the world isn’t conducive to raising children.

“I know.But for the right woman, you might be.”

I shrug, not wanting to talk about this.It probably is time for me to settle, but lately all the women I date make me want to run for the hills.I’m not sure why.Probably because I’m at the age where I should find someone permanent instead of just dating for fun.“Maybe.”

I glance over her shoulder.

“They’re still gone.”Mom chuckles.“I wouldn’t expect her back that fast.If Abi needs help, you’ll be lucky if she returns at all.”

Damn, am I really that obvious?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Okay, son, whatever you say.”She drags out theokayand lets out another laugh.“How do you like being home?”

“It’s only been a few hours.”

“And you’re already itching to leave?”Mom can always read me better than I can even read myself.

---