Page 27 of From Air

“It’s a party. Can you really be late for a party?” She squeezes past me, opening the door.

“If they run out of Gary’s famous ribs, then yes. We’ll be too late to the party, and it will be your fault.”

Jamie navigates around the house to her Jeep like a prancing antelope taking its favorite path to avoid areas of slushy snow, mud, and muck.

I give her directions to Gary’s house, but I don’t know why she’s driving. There’s a slim chance I’ll drink enough to need a driver. I don’t trust her. Okay, I don’t trust myself with her unless I’m in my right mind.

When we arrive, Jamie steps out of the Jeep, wearing her signature smart-ass grin. “Do you have a girlfriend pet name for me or just a best-bud name? I’m not a fan of ‘princess,’ but ‘queen’ is fine.”

“Just get the fuck inside.”

That grin doubles. She’sa lot.

“This is a great house.” She stops halfway up their steep driveway, gawking at the cream-and-redbrick two-story Queen Anne–style house, complete with an asymmetrical front facade hugged by a wraparound porch and a conical roof over the polygonal front corner tower.

“It’s fine,” I mumble, pressing my hand to her back, encouraging her to keep walking.

When she slides her gaze to me, I keep my eyes straight ahead of us, despite my grin. Yes, it’s a great house.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa ...” Gary appears before we get the door shut behind us. He squeezes my shoulder with one hand and hands me a beer with his other. “Did you bring a real girlfriend to my party?”

“You’ve met Jamie. She’s my roommate. Maren couldn’t make it.”

Jamie pays no attention to us as her bug eyes survey the entry that’s technically the parlor. Gary’s wife, Evette, insisted they keep the character of the home. The rooms are small, but the ceilings are tall, and each space has an abundance of embellishments, such as elaborate dark woodwork, colorful stained glass windows, and embossed botanical wallpaper in muted green-and-gold tones. For a good time, I could mention the burgundy velvet drapes just to see Gary lose his shit.

“Uh ...” Jamie shakes her head. “Nice to see you again. Happy birthday.” She whips out a bubbly voice and face-splitting grin while giving him a quick hug.

Jamie’s rousing personality shines for everyone but me. I bring out something in her; I’m not sure what that is yet.

“You have a stunning home.” She digs into her purse. “I brought you this.” She hands him an envelope.

Is she showing me up? It’s a no-gift party.

“You shouldn’t have.” Gary winks. “But thank you. Grab something to eat, and enjoy the party.”

“Sounds great,” she replies with too much enthusiasm.

When Gary heads in the opposite direction, I slip a hand into my front jeans pocket and glare at her, again catching her floral scent. “You boughtmyfriend a card?”

“I boughtourfriend a card and a gift card for coffee.”

“You’re making me look bad.”

She messes with the collar of my gray flannel shirt. “I put your name on the card too.” Her gaze flits to mine when she’s done with my collar. “I make you lookbetter.”

“You’re full of shit. Now go eat.” I gesture with my chin before taking a swig of my beer.

“Bossy.”

I shake my head, but not before grinning.

“The ribs. Dude, make sure you get the ribs.” Todd sidles up to me while wiping sauce from his lips.

With an easy hum, I shift my attention to the spread of food on the dining room table.

“What, uh ... is going on with you and my girlfriend?” Todd stuffs half a brownie into his mouth.

“Girlfriend?”

---