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Because I could be an adult about this.
CHAPTERTHREE
Jason
After the last of the guests had said their goodbyes, I headed to the kitchen to steal some leftover cream puff pastries for the road while a very bad version of “Heart and Soul” drifted throughout the house.
Quietly padding down the hall, I caught sight of Gemma at the piano, her mother next to her on the bench.
“Did you have fun tonight?” Caroline asked her.
I stayed close to the wall, eavesdropping.Funwouldn’t be the word I’d use to describe the night.
“Yeah. Fun.” Gemma kept her fingers on the keys, swaying, a little tipsy, and even though we were practically strangers, it was easy to hear the lie in her voice.
“When’s the big day?” she asked.
“Next month.”
The piano silenced. “Why so fast? You’ve only been with this guy a couple of months.”
I hated to admit it, but I thought Frank was moving a little fast too. Although, I couldn’t begrudge my godfather happiness.
“Don’t say ‘this guy’ like he’s some stranger on the street,” Caroline said. “I love Frank very much.” She wrapped her arms around Gemma, pressing their cheeks together. “Honey, I know you don’t understand, but I truly believe Frank is the one I will spend the rest of my life with. I just can’t live—”
“A day without him as your husband,” Gemma finished for her mom as if she’d heard that line before.
“Frank’s different,” Caroline said, so quietly I had to lean almost around the corner to hear. I knew I shouldn’t be listening in on this private moment, but I couldn’t help it. Something about Gemma needled me, like a side stitch after a long run. I couldn’t get a handle on her, and I wanted to know more, despite her obvious prickly nature.
She wasn’t going to give meanyinformation about herself freely, so I had to take it where I could get it. By skulking around corners like a creep.
“Frank is a good man. I love him and trust him,” Caroline went on. “I hope you do too.”
“I…” Gemma left her sentence unfinished, and I was oddly disappointed. What was it about Frank or about this marriage that she didn’t like? But Gemma only rested her head on her mom’s shoulder. “Just tell me when and where.”
Caroline held her daughter’s hand. “September 30th, at the country club.”
“Marrying Frank does have its perks, huh?”
“Hey. You, of all people, should know that’s not what it’s about.” Caroline lifted her shoulder so Gemma was forced to face her, and I ducked back into the shadows to remain unseen. “One day, you’ll find somebody as wonderful as Frank.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
I had to agree with that one. I didn’t know who would be able to put up with Gemma. Maybe an alligator wrestler or bounty hunter.
Caroline stood, calling out, “Jason, can you give Gemmie a ride home?”
I startled at almost being caught snooping on them and shuffled back a few steps, trying to toss my voice to sound farther away. “Sure.”
“Never mind!” Gemma yelled back. “I don’t need a ride.”
“Yes, you do,” Caroline said, as I sauntered down the hall, all cool and collected, flipping my car keys around my index finger. Gemma heaved a sigh in my direction.
“It’s after eleven,” Caroline told her, “and you have abicycle.” She said bicycle like it was a whale and Gemma was going toFree Willyhome.
“I’ve ridden it at night before.” Gemma folded her arms. “I’m good, I don’t need a ride.”
Though I wasn’t too excited about the prospect of spending any more time alone with the she-wolf, I didn’t like the idea of Gemma on a bicycle at night. I’d rather see her home safe than hurt. “Ready?”
