Page 261 of We Shouldn't Be Together
Mrs. Fisher gives us the green light to sample the food. Everything I try is incredible. Jamie describes each dish, and I focus on the flavors. Buttery, creamy, zesty, delicate, and some wonderfully crumbly. From finger sandwiches to intricate desserts, everything is a winner.
The other server brings over a tray of milkshakes, and Christie becomes an absolute hype queen. Jamie leaves our table, saying she’ll try to get her aunt back on a video call.
From our table, I watch Jamie struggling with the laptop. Things between us were still frosty on the drive over here. Kai is fed up, and his friendship with Jamie is straining. I don’t think I could live with myself if they stop being friends. I know she’ll always hate me, and most likely, Kai will resent me for it, too. Jamie already ditched the guys at lunch, all because I told her I’d be at their table. If Jamie continues building these walls between us, I seriously don’t think Kai and I have a chance.
I have to give it one more shot.
I tell my mom I’m going to check on Jamie and leave the table.
I gingerly make my way over and ask, “Still having trouble?”
Jamie stabs at the trackpad. “Yeah.”
“It must be so frustrating,” I say, watching her gaze harden with concentration. “I wouldn’t want to do a presentation in front of these ladies.”
Jamie turns to me with curiosity. She then turns to our meeting table and then refocuses on me. “So, have you been part of this committee for very long?”
“Kind of.” I tilt my hand in a so-so motion. “My family skirts the line of being in or out with this league. People think high society is glamorous, but it’s mostly listening to ladies who love the sound of their own voices. Afterwards, Mom and I are handed the most undesirable job for the event. We’ll probably be given one of the worst tables at the garden party.”
“Well, I’m just the help, so at least you’re not on the bottom rung of the ladder.”
I giggle, internally cheering that Jamie is actually talking to me. “My mom loves this stuff, so I act excited for her benefit. But it’s hard when I have three brothers at home who Mom doesn’t order around. Boys totally have it easier.”
“I don’t know about that, but they’re certainly easier to deal with.”
I can’t help glancing at Kai and Milo’s booth, and my gut sloshes with a wave of queasiness. “You and Kai are just friends, right?”
She smirks. “Yeah?”
I grit my teeth and hate that I’m about to admit this.“Sorry. I just see him with his arms around you and it drives me nuts.”
Jamie bursts into laughter, and my nervous system frazzles. “You’re jealous of me and Kai?”
Falling into a pout, I nervously twist my fingers around my curls. “How could I not be?”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Sympathy warms her face. “Kai’s my best friend, who happens to be a guy. He’s like my brother. The thought of being with him makes me want to hurl.”
My giggles are both embarrassment and a hit of confidence. “Well, that’s a relief. My imagination has been going wild ever since you moved in with him.”
Jamie sniggers, folding her arms and leaning against the counter with a casual coolness. “Kai is definitely not taking up space in my imagination.”
I can’t help noticing her mind is going elsewhere. “But someone else is?”
Jamie’s breathing hastens, and she flushes with bright pink. Her eyes dart from left to right, landing on the boys’ booth as if asking for help.
Crap, I’ve hit a nerve. Why did I try to make our small talk more girly? She’s a tomboy, for goodness’ sake!
“Dang. I’m making you uncomfortable again.” The discomfort weighs me down as heavy as cement. “Kai told me you’re not into dating. I just have a habit of asking other girls about their crushes.”
“It just threw me,” she rushes. “I hang out with boys, so no one has ever thought to ask me that.”
“Yeah, I’ve never taken you for much of a girly-girl.”
“I wouldn’t exactly fit in with you and your friends.” She glances at our meeting tablet one more time. “I’m surprised more of your friends aren’t at this meeting.”
“Yvie has been to a few meetings, but her family prefers just to show up at the main event.” I sigh and take a beat too long before continuing. “Camila and her mother used to pride themselves on coming here. It’s so sad what’s happened to their family.”
“Sad? Maybe it’s karma.”
