Chapter 25
twenty-five
“Why don’t I drop your mom off and take you home?” Chelsi asks as Jake attempts to shove another present into his already-filled truck cab. “Otherwise, Jake’s gonna have to make multiple trips to bring your presents home.”
“It’ll fit,” Jake grunts, rearranging the same present like he’s playing some real-life game of Tetris. “I’ll make it fit.”
Chelsi chuckles loudly. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”
I lightly smack her arm. It’s unbelievable how Chelsi can put a sexual spin on any comment. One of her many talents. Thank God my mom wasn’t around to hear that one. She’d be clutching the pearl necklace she’s wearing.
“I always do. Just gotta put in the right amount of effort, and it’ll slide right in,” Jake says, pushing a package into his cab and winking at both of us.
“For the love,” I mutter, shaking my head. “Seriously, it makes the most sense for Chelsi to give us a ride. My mom is exhausted, so the sooner we can get her back to the rehab facility, the better.”
“Okay. I’ll stop by after I have all the presents loaded,” Jake replies, wiping sweat from his brow with his hand.
A few minutes ago, he took off the jacket of his dark gray suit and rolled up the sleeve of his white button-down, just enough to see a hint of the tattoo on his forearm—the one he got right when we were in college.
He looked incredible today, and every woman in the room noticed, even the married ones.
It’s hard not to be drawn to Jake. He’s devastatingly handsome and has the warmest, most welcoming personality.
It’s a travesty he’s never had a serious relationship.
I suck in a breath, glancing from Jake to Chelsi.
Were they just flirting? Is it possible they’re interested in each other?
Unease settles in my stomach at the thought of my two best friends being interested in each other.
“Thanks for taking my mom and me home, Chelsi,” I say as she pulls out of the parking lot.
“No problem. This gives us more time to chat before I head back to Chicago.” Chelsi’s eyes are locked on the road, her fingers lightly tapping against the steering wheel. “I can’t get over how familiar Jake looks. Are you sure I don’t know him from somewhere?”
“You probably recognize—” my mom cheerfully says from the back seat.
“I guess he just has one of those faces,” I reply, glaring at my mom in the rearview mirror. I pause for a second, chewing on my lower lip as I contemplate whether I should ask the question I really want an answer to. Fuck it. “Are you interested in Jake?”
Chelsi howls with laughter, tossing her head back slightly like I asked the most ridiculous question in the world.
“Jake? Your Jake?” She erupts in giggles again, covering her mouth in an attempt to control the sounds coming out of her.
“Absolutely not. He’s not my type. You know I don’t go for pretty boys.
I need someone way more damaged, with a bad-boy streak to catch my attention. ”
I relax, unsure why I even care. “The party turned out wonderful, Mom. Thanks again for everything,” I say, with a smile on my face and pride in my eyes.
She went above and beyond with every aspect of the party, demonstrating how well she and Brian know me.
“Never would’ve guessed that was Brian’s surprise. ”
“Although I’m glad you liked it, it was extremely different from my vision,” Mom replies, rubbing her hands on her dress and frowning.
“But I didn’t have much of a choice. I had to accept the help when it was offered, given the circumstances.
” Her frown deepens. “And how do you know about Brian’s surprise? Did he tell you about it?”
“He mentioned it this morning. Involving himself in planning our engagement party was incredibly thoughtful of him, especially since it’s tax season.”
My mom scrunches her face. “You must be confused,” she says sternly. “Brian didn’t help plan the party.”
Chelsi lets out an audible gasp, anger growing on her face. She was skeptical about Brian being involved in party planning, and my mom is confirming her suspicions.
“What do you mean? If Brian didn’t help you plan the party, who did?
” An uncomfortable wave of nausea rises from my stomach as my heart starts beating rapidly, fast enough that I’m struggling to breathe.
All the tension that was relieved earlier, when I thought Brian was behind the party details, comes flooding back, overwhelming me with pressure and pain.
“Jake. Who else?” She shakes her head and sighs loudly. “He insisted on handling it. Worked on it for weeks.”
My jaw drops open, eyes widening in utter shock that Jake was involved.
He never mentioned anything. Didn’t say a word to me when I prattled on about the party being a surprise from Brian.
He just smiled and nodded. Let me give Brian all the glory.
Stood by my side. It feels like my entire world is being flipped upside down, and I’m unsure what to believe and how to respond.
Chelsi’s head jerks in my direction, silently asking what this means.
Exhaling deeply, I lean my head back against the seat, pondering that very question.