Behind the counter, Laura turns on the milkshake machines. I gesture to her and say, “Seeing as it’s a day event, not a cocktail event, we thought you might like some petite milkshakes for your guests.”
Laura walks around the counter with a tray of mini shakes. I help her serve the chocolate and strawberry selections, and they get squeals of glee.
I backtrack to the laptop and say, “I’m just going to try my aunt again. Let me know if you have any questions about the food. Maddy’s happy to change the menu. I’ll let her explain it all when I get her back.”
I hit call and this time it doesn’t disconnect, but it seems to take a long time to get her back. I hope she’s not calling at the same time and that’s why she’s not answering. Ugh. Why can’t this be easy?
“Still having trouble?” Tabitha asks, sidling up beside me.
I disconnect and hit call again. “Yeah.”
“It must be so frustrating,” she replies. “I wouldn’t want to do a presentation in front of these ladies.”
As I cautiously watch Tabitha, Christie’s comment about Camila usually being at these meetings replays in my mind. I look across at the new Mrs. Garcia. I wonder if I can get more info out of Tabitha?
“So, have you been part of this committee for very long?” I ask.
“Kind of,” Tabitha says. “My family skirts the line of being in or out with this league. Mostly when numbers are down, my mother will get a call and she drags me along. Most people think high society is glamorous, but it’s mostly listening to ladies who love the sound of their own voice. Afterwards, we get 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.”
Tabitha giggles. “My mom loves this stuff, so I act excited for her benefit. But it’s hard when I have three brothers at home who never get dragged anywhere. Boys totally have it easier.”
“I don’t know about that, but they’re certainly easier to deal with.”
Tabitha glances over at Kai and Milo’s booth, and then turns back to me with apprehension. “Sorry for acting weird after class today.”
I hug my waist, feeling tension between my shoulder blades. “What do you mean?”
“You and Kai are just friends, right?”
I smirk. “Yeah?”
Tabitha presses her fingers into her forehead and huffs. “Sorry. I just see him with his arms around you and it drives me nuts.”
A laugh busts out of me before I can stop it. “You’re jealous of me and Kai?”
Tabitha pouts and nervously plays with her curls. “How could I not be?”
I give her a sympathetic look. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. 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.”
Tabitha giggles, standing upright with her usual confidence. “Well, that’s a relief. My imagination has been going wild ever since you moved in with him.”
I snigger. “Kai is definitely not taking up space in my imagination.”
Tabitha’s eyebrows wiggle. “But someone else is?”
My breath hitches. Oh gosh, I’d better calm down, stat, or it’ll be all over my face. I slightly turn toward the boys’ booth but stop short. Why would I look at Milo right now? Why don’t I just hold up a sign that tells everyone I enjoy making out with him?
“Dang. I’m making you uncomfortable again,” Tabitha says. “Kai told me you’re not into dating. I just have a habit of asking other girls about their crushes.”
“It just threw me,” I reply. “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.” I glance at the new Mrs. Garcia, and then back at Tabitha. “I’m surprised more of your friends aren’t here at this meeting.”
“Yvie has been to a few meetings, but her family prefers just to show up at the main event.” Tabitha sighs. “Camila and her mother used to pride themselves on coming here. It’s so sad what’s happened to their family.”
