Page 264 of We Shouldn't Be Together
Jamie comes over to the table and lets everyone know the video link is officially a bust. Mrs. Fisher thanks her for her time, and wants a quiet word with the rest of the ladies. When my mom is engrossed, yet again, in every word Mrs. Fisher says, I sneak away.
Kai is standing from the booth and is next to Jamie, who is shaking out her hands as if air-drying the sweat.
Kai beckons me over. “Hey, gorgeous.”
I clutch Kai’s hand. “How was your burger?”
“Awesome, as per usual.” He nudges Jamie. “Though I couldn’t help looking over there.”
“To watch me crash and burn?” Jamie grumbles.
“Don’t be so harsh on yourself,” I tell her. “You actually did really well. And the food and milkshakes speak for themselves. I already told Mom we have to come next Sunday for the pancake stacks. My brothers are like bottomless pits, so you might want to make extra batter.”
Jamie smiles at me. “Thanks, Tabby.”
A thrill ripples through me at the sound of my nickname. I look at Kai, and he’s wearing a joyous grin.
“Umm.” Jamie clears her throat, shifting her feet awkwardly. “Look, umm, like… I never actually congratulated you two.” She takes a beat, nodding to herself. “You two look like a nice couple and seem to want to spend time together. It tripped me out at first, but I wanted you to know, I’m happy for you.”
Kai cheers and rapidly pulls an arm around Jamie. “Thanks, James. And sorry for the hostility earlier. Some people say I’m defensive.”
Jamie slides Kai’s arm away from her. “Ah, I just learned this makes Tabitha uncomfortable.”
Kai gives me a questioning look, but I’m quick to blurt out, “No, no, it’s fine.”
Jamie laughs, pointing between herself and Kai. “She thought something was going on between us.”
I wave my hands in front of me. “It’s nothing. Besides, Jamie told me the thought of being with you makes her sick.”
Kai pokes his tongue out at Jamie. “Ditto.”
I send Jamie a wink. “It put my mind at ease.”
Kai’s arms scoop snuggly around my waist, and he nuzzles against the side of my face. “Told you I don’t have eyes for any other girl.”
“It’s just taken a while to understand the history between you and Jamie. I’ve never seen a girl and guy be so close when they’re not a couple.”
“Why don’t we get out of here?” Kai whispers. “You can ditch the rest of this meeting, right?”
I look over and immediately frown. “No. Mom’s already giving me the stink eye.”
I make my way back to the meeting table, and Mrs. Fisher is standing and gesturing for Jamie to join us.
“Darling, you have the job,” Mrs. Fisher tells her. “We’d all be delighted to sign on Morton’s Café as caterers for our upcoming garden party.”
Jamie is jittering with excitement. “We got it? Oh, thank you, thank you for the opportunity. Aunt Maddy will be thrilled.”
Glee-filled Jamie goes into the kitchen, celebrating with the other workers.
“Wow, she’s psyched,” Penelope says beside me. “Good for her. She seemed so nervous during her presentation.”
“Yeah, she definitely has some social anxiety,” I reply. “But that was a heck of a breakthrough.”
Breakthrough indeed.
Jamie is happy for me and Kai.
She said, we look like a nice couple.
