Page 52 of Kissing for Keeps
I dip a toe into the cool water, then take a seat on the edge as Jack sits next to me. My phone is on the grass, out of my reach, but I’m kind of glad for the opportunity to ignore it, even for fifteen minutes. I’m envious of Jack in that way. He’s not at all tied to his phone, and I wonder if that’s part of what makes him such a fun, free spirit. Working on the campaign had me constantly checking texts and emails and the news, and I haven’t settled into my usual routine. Maybe after the wedding it’ll be easier.
Jack reaches backward, stretching toward the grass until he’s almost lying down. His shirt comes up, and I get the glimpse I never asked for of the lower rungs of his abs.
He returns from his acrobatic trek with the strawberries and holds out the carton expectantly. “We still have another case of these to get through, you know. All of us have to do our part.”
“At least Madi and Rémy can help us finish soon.” I reluctantly take another delicious strawberry. “Though, I think Rémy has an interview first thing in the afternoon. Then he needs to try on his suit in case—” I stop, realizing based on the way Jack is looking at me that I’ve migrated into wedding talk.
“You’re making me a dull boy, Sheppard.” He sets the carton beside him. “Madi always said you were the one that was more fun between the two of you.”
“I am!” I swing my feet gently under the water. “Or was. The election ruined me.”
“How so?”
I sigh and let my head drop so I’m looking at the sky where thin clouds are making their way across, dimming the twinkling stars behind them. “I don’t know. I don’t want to mess up something important again.” I shut my eyes, remembering the moment when it finally hit me; we were losing, and the margin could have been reversed if I hadn’t made a couple of crucial mistakes.
“Why do you think it’s your fault Amy lost the election?”
I point to my chest. “Campaign manager.”
“Yeah, but you can’t manage everything. Life’s not that simple.”
“I still messed up. I missed a really crucial event registration deadline, and I chose to put Amy in a debate she wasn’t ready for. Among other things.”
“Hey.” Jack waits until I look him in the eye. “You’re doing amazing. You can’t mess up the wedding because it’s not a win-or-lose situation, Siena. Madi is incredibly lucky to have you.”
I shake my head and break my gaze away.
“I’m serious. I don’t know anyone whose best friend would drop everything and fly across the world to be a combination wedding planner and maid of honor for three weeks. I’ll be lucky if my friends even show up for my wedding. Heck, if myfamilyshows up.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I say, even though I’m secretly touched by his words. It’s not often Jack is serious. “Madi would do the same thing you’re doing for her.”
His smile isn’t terribly convincing, and for once, I wonder what’s happening behind all the joking and teasing. Does Jack really think he’s not valued by Madi and his mom? I know he and Madi haven’t had the smoothest history, but she loves him and has always wished they were closer—and that he’d stop dating her friends.
Ugh.
“Besides,” I say, looking at my feet. “Much as I hate to admit it, my coming here would have been a complete disaster if not for you.”
“Nah, you would’ve figured it out.”
“Is that the message you got when you picked me up at the parking garage yesterday and I was nearly hysterical?”
“I figured that was just a ploy.”
“A ploy? To accomplish what?”
“To summon me. Because you missed me.”
I huff a laugh through my nose. “You’re somethin’ else, Just Jack.”
He kicks up a foot to splash a few drops onto me. I lean back to avoid them and am mostly successful.
“Watch it,” I say, “or you’ll summon security, and our fifteen minutes will be cut short.”
He nudges me with his shoulder. “You’re probablyhopingfor that. Your mind’s trapped in that spreadsheet, isn’t it? Cell D43.”
I nudge him extra hard with my shoulder, so he has to grip the edge to keep from falling into the pool.
“D36,” I say.
