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I push my hand through my hair. “Just figured it would be easier to pretend we didn’t already know each other. It’s less complicated that way.”
She steps toward me so only a few inches separate us. “Why? It’s not like there’s anything inappropriate going on between us, right?”
The way she looks at me… her words almost feel like a challenge.
I clear my throat. “Of course not.”
“Purely platonic.” Her voice is lower and breathier than normal.
“Right.” My voice holds a strangled tone.
Neither of us says anything for a few moments, our gazes locked.
“Want to tell me why you looked so uncomfortable when my brother was proposing to Zahra?”
I step back. “What are you talking about?” I try to sound casual and unaffected, but I’m not sure I succeed.
She takes another step toward me, undoing the distance I put between us. “It was obvious, Andrew. You looked like you were going to throw up the entire dinner all over your plate.”
Jesus, it’s annoying how well this woman can read me.
“I assure you you’re imagining things.” My voice growing sterner.
She shakes her head slowly. “I don’t think so. You looked more uncomfortable than you did when Bethaney asked you whether you thought her fiancé would prefer her to wear Mrs. Claus or reindeer lingerie on Christmas Eve.”
“I’m fine, Kenzie.” My clipped tone suggests she stop it.
She shrugs. “If you say so.”
Living through my most regrettable decision once was enough. The last thing I want to do is to recount it to Kenzie so that she can see firsthand what an idiot I was.
ChapterSeventeen
Kenzie
Once the video chat with Zahra’s parents is complete, we all retreat to the living room for some after-dinner drinks.
I’m counting the minutes until I can leave. So far, I’ve managed to avoid any confrontation with my parents, and they’ve managed not to get into it with each other. But through my teenage years, I developed a keen sense of when things were about to go off the rails and I sense that the time is nearing.
My parents are outspoken, even on their best behavior, but alcohol loosens their tongues and diminishes what little filter they have. It’s not that they have a drinking problem—lord knows they get into it all the time when they’re sober too. But when alcohol is involved, it almost always devolves into a huge screaming match.
“Any idea where you think you’ll get married?” my mom asks the happy couple.
Finn looks at Zahra. “I’m not picky. I’ll marry Zahra wherever she wants.”
I smile at the way Zahra looks at my brother. It’s obvious to anyone within a few feet of them how much they love each other. I couldn’t be happier. We may not be the closest siblings in the world, but Finn has always been good to me and been there when I needed him. I want him to be happy.
“I don’t really know. I guess I’ll have to start researching places in the city.” She takes Finn’s hand. “Kenzie, would you be willing to be the event planner for our big day?”
I’m the furthest thing from the Grinch, but I swear my heart swells two sizes too big for my chest and I blink back the tingling in my eyes. “I would be honored.” I walk over to give them both a hug.
My mom’s gaze darts between them and me with a wary expression on her face.
I absolutely shouldn’t engage, but I ask the question anyway. “Is something wrong, Mom?”
“No… I was just wondering if it might be best if someone else acted as the event planner, that’s all. Someone more suited to handling such a big affair. Someone who doesn’t have a personal connection to the bride and groom.” Her fake serene smile chafes.
“They haven’t even made any decisions as to what kind of wedding they want. Why do you seem so sure I can’t handle it?” I somehow manage to keep my voice even.
