Page 25 of Only Yours
I chuckle nervously. “Obviously, you haven’t been to a large Indian function before. You’re about to be bombarded.”And hopefully no one mentions anything that I don’t want you to hear.
I take his hand. “Let me start you with the easiest people first.”
I proceed to steer Brian towards the quietest of the aunties, Riya Auntie. She barely asks anything at all but nods politely when Brian introduces himself and gives me a small hug.
It’s not long before he’s surrounded though. I try to stay close, but my mother keeps needing ‘help’ and distracting me. I want to know exactly what these family members are telling him, so I try to catch snippets of conversation.
I shake my head when I hear my Anika Auntie starts asking him minute details about his deployment. He manages the conversation well, evading everything except generalities about life overseas. I step back, with my hands behind my back, watching him work the women. He seems to be handling himself well. And damn he looks good while doing it.
“Who’s the hottie?” a familiar voice whispers in my ear.
“Amit!” I turn around and throw my arms around my best friend’s neck. I bury my head in his shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
He pats my back lightly and then pulls away. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong with my bestie?” He indicates Brian with a nod ofhis head, “Is the hottie giving you trouble? What’s he doing here anyway?”
“He decided to surprise me.” I twist my hands together. “I’m scared shitless one of my meddling relatives is going to say something they shouldn’t. And I’m also scared my mom may murder Brian.” I cock my head to indicate where my mother stands in a corner clearly glaring at Brian. I’m thinking she probably didn’t buy the routine about me giving him something from Sophie. My mother is like a human lie detector. I’m sure she knows what’s up.
“You still didn’t tell your mom about him?” Amit asks in a loud voice. I clamp my hand over his mouth.
“Hush it, will you?” I glance over at Brian and see him sending us a murderous look, or more specifically Amit.Shit.I take my hand away from Amit’s mouth.
“I haven’t told her yet, but I will. I promise.” And I will, just as soon as we make it through this ordeal.
Amit shakes his head. “Your soldier may murder me before then,” he mutters. “You should have told him what your mother thinks about us. And we should tell everyone the truth. It’s not our fault they’ve made assumptions about what our relationship is.” He crosses his arms and sends me a withering look. “I’m not afraid anymore, Reina. I can do this.”
My heart skips a beat. The image of Amit’s beaten body flashes through my mind.I’m not ready.
“We’ll tell everyone soon. Just help me get through today,” I beg.
He opens his mouth and then closes it. I can tell he wants to say no. His shoulders finally drop, and he nods. “Okay, fine. Just for today.”
Chapter 25
I know when I’m not wanted. -Brian
Brian
Something is up with Reina, and I’m guessing Amit too. They’re talking in hushed voices in the corner and they both seem irritated with each other. Despite the fact that I know he’s only her friend, I’m also a little weirded out by how much they casually touch each other. I’m trying very hard to not be jealous of their bond to each other. It’s hard because he gets to have her around all the time, while I just get little pieces.
It takes me forever to untangle myself from conversing with a very sweet, but nosy woman who claims to be Nani’s poker buddy. I tell her I have to use the restroom, hoping that she won’t notice I’m actually headed toward the corner where Reina is currently gesticulating to a seemingly aggravated Amit.
“Reina, is this your friend Amit you always talk about?” I come up behind her, only hearing the last word of the conversation. Intriguingly, the word is secret so now I’m really wondering what I’ve missed.
She nods briskly. “Yes, Brian, this is Amit, my best friend since childhood. We were just discussing, um…well,” Reina appears flustered for an unusual moment, and I watch her closely.
“We were just discussing how great it is that you’re finally in the states again,” Amit jumps into save her. I look back and forth between them.
“Yeah, I’m happy to be back. Happy to finally see Reina again too.” I send her a blinding smile and she gives me a weak one in return. “Anyway, it’s nice to meet you, man. I’ve heard a lot about you.” I hold out my hand, and instead of a weak shake like I received from Reina’s mother before, I’m engulfed by a hand that pumps mine heartily.
“Same, man, same,” he responds. Amit is tall and thin. He’s handsome in a way that I’ll never be. He seems polished and at the same time, exudes an air of innocence that I wouldn’t normally associate with a guy his age. He’s got to be at least six-foot-two, and I feel a little lacking. I stand up taller and try not to look at this man as too much of an adversary. He’s Reina’s best friend, therefore it is innately implied that I’ve got to be on my best behavior.
“Everyone, it’s time to eat.” Reina’s mother claps her hands and indicates the wide hallway to her right.
Appetizers abounded in the living room, so I’m anxious to see this spread. It was weird the way that Reina’s mom hovered around everyone while they ate though, looking as if she may faint if they spilled anything on her precious furniture. Why have all these people over if you’re going to worry the whole time?
“Wait until you get a load of this food, man. You’re about to think you’ve died and gone to heaven,” Amit says in a low voice as we cross the hallway to the dining room.
He is so, so right. I’ve never seen anything like the buffet before me. I glance over at Reina. “You’ve been holding out on me, princess. I want to attend all your family functions from now on.”
