Page 85 of Possessed By You
CHAPTER TEN
New York is famous for diners. Greasy, dirty diners.
It’s a rare day when I can get Benjamin to enter one. However, today is an important day. We’ve pulled three tables together to accommodate the guests. Benjamin suggested somewhere nicer, but Kevin insisted on this place, swearing it had some special power.
It was the place Doug and he came to after the club the night they met.
On Doug’s hand rests a gold ring—an engagement band, one Kevin just put on him in Central Park, before bringing him to this place to celebrate with his friends and family. Some people I know, like Kevin’s parents. Some I don’t. Marilyn, my eccentric friend, hasn’t changed and has brought along a date none of us have met before. Beside Kevin sits Doris, who is admiring the lovely sight of a table full of smiles.
I’ve been doing the same thing.
Benjamin is talking to Kevin, informing him of venues, insisting on paying for whatever they can’t afford. Knowing Benjamin, I’m sure he fully intends to pay for the entire wedding. Kevin is both appalled and touched, as am I. Everyone is talking over each other, and no one gets tired of it.
Kevin is still arguing when Benjamin pierces me with his soft green eyes. “Get your friend to agree, all right? Help me here.”
“It’s crazy! A wedding costs a fortune!”
Kevin’s father, a man who is Latin to the bone, sticks out his chin pointedly toward Benjamin. “The family must pay for the wedding. No exceptions.”
They don’t have the money. I know it, Benjamin knows it, and Kevin knows it.
Benjamin holds up his hands, a true negotiator. “All right. I can respect that. However, there’s no problem with us paying for the reception. It could be a wedding gift, right, Darcy?”
I smile secretively, shrugging my shoulders to my best friend, who is looking upon us both in shock. “I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.”
Kevin glances at his father, who is squinting at my husband. “Dad?”
Salvador nods, wagging his index finger at Benjamin. “I pay the wedding. You do the reception.”
“Done,” Benjamin says triumphantly, finally leaning back in his seat.
Doug is just as bewildered as me and everyone else at the table.
“Did that just happen?” Kevin asks, beaming ear to ear. He looks between us. “Thank you both. I really don’t know what to say.”
“It’s Benjamin,” I laugh. Everyone at this table knows damn well I’m not the one making millions.
“It’s frombothof us. You’ve always been a great friend to Darcy.”
Doris leans toward the lovers, wanting to hear more about the sunset proposal.
Benjamin turns his attention to me, chastising without malice. “We talked about this. We agreed—”
“Yes, but I’m contributing little here, let’s be honest.” He lifts my hand, pressing his mouth to my diamond and the wedding band.
“What’s mine is yours, Darcy.”
“Benjamin!” Marilyn exclaims, waving to get his attention from the other side of the table. “Come over here! I want you to meet someone!”
I smirk, leaning close. “She thinks her boyfriend of the month will be an asset to Scott Industries.”
Thankfully, he looks amused, setting down his napkin. “Is he?”
“He’s only ever been an intern.”
Benjamin laughs, rising to his feet. “Wonderful.”
I watch him go to appease my friend, admiring the way they look at him. It’s taken years, but in that time, he’s gained their respect. They expect, and like, when we’re together.
