Kai looks at Tabitha in surprise while she blurts, “No, no, it’s fine.”
I giggle. “She thought something was going on between us.”
“Jamie told me the thought of being with you makes her sick,” Tabitha says bluntly.
Kai smirks. “Thanks.”
“It put my mind at ease,” Tabitha says, giving me a wink.
Kai scoops his arms around Tabitha’s waist. “How could you think I’d have eyes for any other girl?”
“I just didn’t know the history between you and Jamie. I’ve never seen a girl and guy, who aren’t a couple, be so close.”
Kai nods at the table of society ladies. “Should you be getting back to that?”
Tabitha groans, stepping back from Kai. “Yep. My mom is giving me the stink eye.”
Kai moves back to the booth and Milo approaches cautiously. “You okay?”
I nod. “I’m fine.”
“You just congratulated Kai and Tabitha on being a couple. You can’t be feeling okay?”
“Oh, that.” I move further away from the society table and lower my voice. “I saw where Kai was coming from. Tabitha has a bad habit of coming across the wrong way. From what I can tell, it’s a facade. She’s apparently getting bullied by Camila as much as I am.”
“Really? Aren’t they friends?”
“They are. Her only friends are mean girls. No wonder she wants to hang around Kai all the time.”
“That’d be the only reason,” Milo jokes.
“Seriously, it seems like Kai has been a confidant for her. I’m happy for them.”
“They’re constantly together, so I’m not surprised they’ve become close.” His hand subtly brushes mine. “Just like us. Although, to be honest, I wouldn’t mind if you and Kai weren’t as close.”
A surprised laugh puffs out of me. “What?”
“I get you two are best friends.” His pinky hooks mine. “It’s just that I want to be the one that gets to hug you and be close to you.”
“Well, you do get to, just not publicly.” Goosebumps sprout from my fingers up to my shoulder. “I get how that feels like not enough. But I just heard what Christie asked you? You said you’d think about it.”
“Because I was put on the spot,” he says in a rush. “Believe me, I have no interest in Meghan. I wanted to tell Christie I’m only interested in one girl.” He gulps. “I just didn’t think you’d be okay with me telling her that.”
I glimpse the table, then steal my eyes back in his direction. “I don’t want you dating any other girls.”
His smile is small. “I don’t want that either. I just want you.”
The goosebumps intensify, and I muffle my giggle as a blush heats my face. “I should get back to the ladies.”
He throws a thumb back at the laptop. “Do you want me to keep trying Maddy?”
“No, it’s okay. She’ll definitely be freaking out right now.” I pull out my phone. “I’ll send her a quick text that I hope gets through.”
Milo gives me an adorable smile and slinks back to the booth with his brother.
I turn to the ladies, clear my throat, and slowly every eye lands on me. “I really hope you all enjoyed the food. I know I speak for my aunt when I say we’d really love to cater your event.”
Mrs. Fisher clears her throat as she dabs a paper napkin against her painted lips. Everyone’s focus switches to her. “Well, what can I say?” she begins, dusting off her hands. “Everything was sublime. The pastry was flaky, the fillings were light and fluffy. Don’t even get me started on the sugary heaven that are those milkshakes.”
