I step forward so I don’t have to yell in front of strangers. “I don’t care that you spend time with your girlfriend. I get that it’s important and exciting.”
He nudges me toward the society ladies. “How about you put effort into this meeting? I’ll show you what support looks like.”
I stumble on my footing from his heavy-handed nudge. “Geez, thanks.”
My eyes wander from the society ladies over to Milo at the counter. My gaze becomes laser-focused, watching Christie lean in to talk with him.
What the heck? Why are they talking? Is it about Ash? Is it about me?
I hurry toward the counter, ensuring I get there ahead of Kai.
“So, what do you think?” Christie asks, clasping her hands in front.
Milo’s visibly nervous as he stammers his response. He looks over Christie’s shoulder at me, and then back to her. “No, ahh. Umm. I’m not sure.”
“Aww, but you’ll have a great time,” Christie urges. “She’s not like she was in school. I promise. Meghan would love a date for this event. You’ll have so much fun.”
My jaw drops. Meghan? Christie’s trying to get Milo to date Meghan?
I turn to Kai, and his attention is squarely on Tabitha. If I snap my fingers at him, I bet I’d be on mute.
Milo rubs behind his neck, looking down at his shoes. “Well, umm. I’m kinda… Look, I dunno. I’ll think about it. Okay?”
Christie nods enthusiastically. “That’s brilliant. I just think you two will look so cute together.”
Ugh! How do I stop this?
Christie turns around and smiles at me. “Everyone’s loving the food. It’s going wonderfully.”
My jaw clenches as I fake a smile. “Thanks.”
Christie walks back to the table, and Milo umms and ahhs at me.
“You won't get a signal while the storm keeps up,” he says, gesturing at the computer. “Maybe try your phone instead?”
With Kai beside me, I keep my cool. “Thanks for trying. I know she’d want a better view than from my phone. They’re finishing eating anyway, and then they’ll get to their meeting. I’ll call Maddy afterwards.”
Milo’s smile twitches. “Sorry I couldn’t help.”
I nod glumly.
“Hey, how was your burger?” Tabitha asks, clutching Kai’s hand.
“Awesome, as per usual.” He glances at me. “Couldn’t help looking over here, though.”
“To watch me crash and burn,” I grumble.
“Don’t be so harsh on yourself,” Tabitha says sweetly. “You actually did really well. And the food and shakes speak for themselves. I already told Mom we have to come next Sunday for the pancake stacks.” She giggles. “My brothers are like bottomless pits, so you might want to make extra batter.”
I find myself smiling. “Thanks, Tabby.”
An ecstatic grin stretches on Kai’s face from the use of Tabitha’s nickname.
“Umm, I never actually congratulated you two,” I say, awkwardly shifting my weight. “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 smiles, slinging an arm around me. “Thanks, James. And sorry for the hostility over there. Some people say I’m defensive.”
I slide Kai’s arm off me. “Ah, I just learned this makes Tabitha uncomfortable.”
