Page 19 of A Perfect Fit

There’s a sparkle in Anna’s eyes. “Does that mean you’re friends?”

No, Anna. Your uncle and I were the personification of two great white sharks going at each other.

“We were such good friends,” I say. “We did speech and debate together, and I always loved trying to beat him.”

Jackson turns to me, a taunting glint illuminating his brown eyes. “Isabella was my favorite opponent.”

My mouth twitches. “I could say the same about Jackson. He was always incredibly humble and easygoing. In fact, he never cared about winning.”

Jackson turns to Anna. “Anna, Isabella was one of the most organized people I knew. She was always on time for everything.”

“Anna, you should’ve seen that time I beat your uncle Jace in one of our speech tournaments,” I say as Anna’s gaze falls on me. “The look on his face was absolute gold.”

“Yeah, that was pretty memorable,” Jackson says as Anna turns her attention to him again, like she’s watching a tennis match between Jackson and me. “Although not as memorable as when Isabella tripped over her feet on her way up the stage to collect her award.”

My jaw drops. Jackass.

Though am I surprised that Jackson remembers me tripping and falling? Probably not.

“I was telling Isabelle I want to be a fashion designer, too, when I grow up!” Anna says to Jackson. “Maybe she can teach me.”

“That’s great.” Jackson’s expression softens as he faces her. “But we should get going now.”

Anna pouts. “I want to buy something here first.”

“How about we check out some of the other booths, Anna?” Jackson suggests. “There are plenty of others here.”

Boo-hoo.

Anna purses her lips. “You’re no fun, Uncle Jace. You promised me you’d buy me anything I wanted today. And you talk about sticking to your promises, but you’re not doing that yourself.”

Another laugh threatens to spill out of me. I’d listen to a whole podcast of Anna roasting Jackson any day.

“You’re not setting a very good example for your niece, are you, Uncle Jace?” I add.

Jackson tosses me a glare before sighing in defeat. “All right, Anna, why don’t you buy what you want here, and I’ll pay?”

“Yay!” Anna’s face lights up, and she turns to me with a look that could make flowers grow.

A wide grin forms on my face as I lift my hand to offer her a high five. Anna stands on her tiptoes, pressing her small palm against mine.

Jackson watches the interaction, muttering something incomprehensible under his breath.

Anna walks around my booth, her eyes darting around in excitement. I don’t have any clothes in kid sizes, but that doesn’t stop Anna from inspecting everything that’s set up before diving to the accessories section.

“I want this one,” she gushes, grabbing one of my handmade black polka-dot scrunchies and handing it to Jackson. She reaches for the same scrunchie but in purple. “And this color, too!” Then she picks up one of my white canvas tote bags. “And this as well!”

Ten minutes later, Anna’s proudly smiling, Jackson’s holding a stack of items in his hands, and I think I’ll be ready to close my booth and call it a day after this.

“Are you sure you want to buy all of that, Anna?” Jackson asks.

I glare at him, resisting the urge to give him the middle finger in front of Anna.

Anna flashes Jackson a toothy grin. “You said you’ll pay for it, so yes.”

Anna—one. Jackson—zero.

I laugh. “Thanks so much for your support, Anna. How about your uncle can put the items on the table and I’ll pack them in the tote bag for you?”