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And this was hardly even a good time.
He grumbled until the tiny silver stick finally cooperated. He twisted it closed. At least the tux fit well. Marcus’s too. And he had to admit, Marcus cleaned up well. Nessa would be pleased.
He stared at the shiny rented matching shoes. Uncomfortable was a kind description, but Marcus insisted they get them. Given what was about to unfold, would anyone really remember if he wore black soccer sneakers with his tuxedo?
His sigh consumed his entire body. Fine. He slipped his feet into the tight shoes. Marcus would fuss all night otherwise.
The house felt weirdly quiet. Most parties had the guys bouncing around. Tonight they were either taking their dates to dinner or getting ready. Either way, it helped. He didn’t need a walk of shame down to his public humiliation.
Halfway down the stairs, Jack heard the doorbell. “I got it!” he shouted. Not that anyone would care.
“Brittany?” She wore a pale blue dress with her hair pinned up. “Wow. You look amazing.”
It didn’t happen much, but he had her at a loss for words. “Thanks, Jack. You look pretty hot too.”
“Yeah, like anyone cares.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Where’s Seth? I thought you went to dinner.”
“We did.” She passed by, and a breath of summer air breezed over him as he closed the door. “He and Billy needed to get something. They said it was a surprise.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Yeah, why not?” Brittany looked around the foyer and peeked into the great room, which had been hastily cleaned after the victory party last night. “Seth said it was nice. He didn’t lie.”
The way she smiled when she mentioned Seth had Jack biting back a grin. So his girl was serious about her new guy…. Nice.
Jack followed her to a small table and held the chair for her. The raised eyebrow she gave almost got a smile. “Did you want something to drink?”
“No, I’ll wait.” Flicking a speck of glitter from the white tablecloth, she looked tense. “Where is everyone? It’s almost eight.”
Jack flipped a chair around and sat facing her. “No worries, I’m sure everyone will be here at eight so they don’t miss the main event.” He hitched his thumbs toward his chest and tried to laugh, but it came out as shallow as it felt.
A frown cut Brittany’s brow, and her voice came out soft. “I’m sorry you have to leave the house. I know how much it means to you.”
“It’s okay, really.” He blinked at the silver and crystal decorations and shrugged. “I mean, Marcus and I got to stay in our dad’s room for a year. We’d be moving out after next year anyway.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.”
It wasn’t, but it was the only way Jack could face this night. Losing to Harper sucked. Worse, the douche would be smug as shit next year.
But worst of all was the horrible ache in his chest at losing Ed.
“Hey.” Brittany nudged him. “Don’t give up on him. It’s only been a couple of days. Give him some time and then he’ll listen.”
“Right.” Jack shook his head. “You don’t know him like I do. Why would you think that?”
“Because I know what good people do.” She sandwiched his right hand between hers. “You did nothing wrong. If he’s as good a guy as you say, he’ll believe you when you look him in the eye and tell him the truth.”
Jack barely heard Brittany, lost in a wave of thoughts. “You know what sucks? I was so sure my dad would have approved of me picking Ed over a room.” He snorted and stared at the tablecloth. “He would have picked Mom over the house.”
Brittany hooked a finger under his chin and twisted his head up. “I know it seems hopeless right now, but don’t give up.”
“Sometimes….” Jack blinked back the tears, palming the ring at his chest. “Sometimes the people you care about don’t come back.”
She stared down her nose at him. “You are the sweetest guy. I can’t believe I just said that, but it’s true. You were trying to do right by Marcus. Ed will see that you were caught in the middle. And if he doesn’t, I’ll… I’ll….”
“Geld him?” A tiny smile cracked his frown.
“I was going for smack some sense into him, but gelding works too.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“If he breaks your heart over something this stupid, he won’t need his bits anymore.” Her gaze shifted from his face to over his shoulder. “Seth and Billy are here. Oh.”
Jack glanced back and saw Billy and Seth dressed to kill, grinning like they’d won the lottery. His smile died when he saw who was behind them.
“What’s he doing here?” He pointed toward his friends, then turned around to face Brittany.
Brittany’s face had clouded over, and she glared at the boys. “I had no idea they were bringing him.” She shook her head. “I… I hoped Seth was getting something special for me.”
