“Yeah, I know.” He tapped his finger randomly on the table. “It’s just. Well. You know, he is my best friend.”
“Awe,” Derek teased. “That’s so touching, man.”
“Shut up!” Jared shot back and ran his hand through his hair. “I tell JT everything. You know I’m surrounded by women here. I won’t be able to do that now. He’ll just blab it all to Jordan. You think I want my sister knowing all my sh…sorry, stuff?”
“And here I thought you were trying to protect my virtue,” I said drolly. “The ugly truth comes out.”
“Jordan,” my mother said in a warning tone. “Jared has a valid point and I can understand why that would be upsetting.”
I sat next to Jared and leaned back in my chair. “Well no worries Jared. I don’t want to hear about your stuff anyway. JT can gladly keep that to himself. It goes both ways, you know. I’m not worried about JT dishing to you about everything I tell him.”
Grannie smiled at JT and shook her head in sympathy. “You sure you know what you’re getting yourself into? There’s still time to walk out the door. I won’t hold it against you.”
“Grannie!” I furrowed my brows as my mouth dropped open. Was she out of her mind? How could she joke like that after everything I had gone through to finally get JT to admit his feelings for me?
“Oh hush,” Grannie laughed and patted the seat next to her for JT to sit down. “I’m just teasing the boy. Let me see your lip. Must smart pretty bad, huh?”
“Can’t say I’d want to do it all over again,” JT grinned and then groaned for his effort. “Derek and Jordan saved me from a worse beating. No hard feelings Jared. If I had a younger sister, I’d probably have reacted the same way.”
“Sorry, JT,” Jared said sheepishly. “Well, not really. But you know what I mean.”
Grannie reached out to gently touch JT on the shoulder. “And I’m sorry too. I didn’t expect Jared to face plant you to the ground. Guess I screwed that one up. It wasn’t in the plans.”
“What are you talking about?” Jared’s face was a mask of confusion. JT and Derek sent equally confused glances Grannie’s way.
“Since we’re having a Kumbaya moment,” Grannie said with a chuckle, “I may as well take this opportunity to come clean. I can’t take my sins with me to the grave.”
I opened my mouth to stop Grannie from going any further but was silenced by the look she tossed my way. She meant to say her piece and nothing was going to stop her. Well then, so be it. Although why Grannie didn’t chose to make her confession at church where nobody needed to be any wiser was a mystery. I definitely would’ve taken the easy path out.
Grannie gazed around the room at all the eyes trained on her. “I know every one of you thought I might have gone a bit loopy when I asked Jordan to start dating men twice a week in the hopes of finding her soul mate so I could watch her walk down the aisle. And I don’t blame you if you did.”
I glanced around surreptitiously and caught the smug looks of all the boys. The big dummies. Didn’t they know Grannie was setting them up? I wasn’t going to fall for it. Of course I had the benefit of knowing that Grannie had been in it for the journey of planning a wedding and not the expectation of being at a wedding. Still. I couldn’t wait till Grannie laid it all out.
“But that just goes to show you don’t know your head from your arse!” She smiled at the collective jaw dropping around the room. “Did you honestly think I would let Jordan marry someone after knowing him for just a couple of months? Or that her mother would allow such a scheme?”
I saw the recognition in each of the boys’ eyes; they hadn’t been smart enough to come to that conclusion on their own. But then what was with all the dating? The question lingered on their faces.
“I didn’t ask JT to watch over our girl to keep her safe from predatory males. I expected them to fall in love with each other in the process of being thrown in each other’s company so often.”
Shocked silence settled over the room for nearly a minute as everyone took in her response. Me not withstanding. What the…? What happened to the part about going on the journey of planning for a wedding? But my own shock was far surpassed by that of both Jared and JT. I observed my mother’s casual smile. So she had been on it from the start as well? It was Derek who recovered first out of the group.
“O.M.G.,” Derek snorted and held his fist out to Grannie for a bump. “That’s so awesome. You’re a genius. How did you know?”
“I didn’t,” she confessed. “More like hoped. They’re both wonderful people and so dear to my heart. It was worth a try. There was no way either of them would pursue a relationship on their own. Because of you.” Grannie focused directly on Jared. “So I had to fabricate a reason to put them in each other’s way. Nature did the rest.”
I gazed over at JT and returned the gentle smile that suddenly began curving up the right side of his lips. The warmth in his eyes permeated my whole body. I wanted so much to go sit on his lap and let him hold me while Grannie talked. But Jared was probably still smarting, especially now that he knew his own grandmother had orchestrated the demise of his friendship with his best friend.
“Maybe it was wrong of me to meddle this way,” Grannie said, reaching out to grab one of my hands and one of JT’s hands. “But I’ll bear the heat of your collective judgment on my actions because I will feel so much better knowing my Sweet Pea is being taken care of by a wonderful man after I’m gone.”
“Thanks a lot Grannie,” Jared said, having finally found his tongue. “And here I thought you were going to have my back.”
“You should thank her,” my mother said. “People often grow apart as they get older and start their own families Jared. Who knows if you and JT would’ve eventually grown further apart as time passed? If they get married, then you’ll have gained a brother.”
“Exactly my point mom,” Jared said. “With if being the operative word.”
“Not if,” JT corrected him and gazed into my eyes. “When.”
Tears flooded my eyes as I burst out of my seat to plant myself squarely on JT’s lap. He loved me. He loved me. He loved me. It was clearly written all over his face. Jared was going to have to get used to it. So he may as well get started now. After JT’s sweet words I didn’t want to be anywhere else but in his arms.
Jared immediately began making horrific gagging noises which set Mrs. Billette and Grannie into a fit of laughter with everyone eventually joining in. Even Jared. A few tears rolled over JT’s cheek. I wasn’t sure if it was from the joy of laughing so hard or because laughing so hard had caused his lip to begin bleeding again which caused him pain. I jumped up to grab another tissue.
Jared got hold of his senses. “Was Jordan in on this from the beginning?”
JT stopped dabbing at his lip and glanced curiously at Grannie over my shoulder. He seemed quite interested in knowing this tidbit.
“No. She was just as clueless as the rest of you.”
“Hey.” I whipped my head around to stare at Grannie “Give me a little credit. I started to catch on pretty fast that you were up to something. Of course I didn’t know the full extent of your guilt, but after about three weeks, I started to get the feeling you were hoping I might like JT. I got clued in after he agreed to pretend to be my fiancé at the Castle. You kept saying what a great fiancé he’d make some lucky girl someday.”
“Yes,” Grannie said. “That was actually quite brilliant of me as well. Mrs. Walberg was so nice and accommodating. She whole heartedly agreed with me that you should bring your fiancé along to make the final arrangements.”
“What?” I sat back down and crossed my arms lightly over my chest. “You can’t take credit for that. It was their policy. Now I think you’re just getting a little cocky.”
The cat-like grin that spread across Grannie’s face made me wonder if Grannie was, in fact, a genius as Derek had said. “Mrs. Walberg just told you it was policy so you wouldn’t argue the point with her.”
“Can you blame me?” she asked. “Three weeks had gone by without any material change. I needed a catalyst.”
“Did you plant the photographer?” I asked and felt a blush rush up my neck.
“No,” Grannie admitted. “Why? What does that have to do with anything?”
I caught JT’s eyes and he nodded his head for me to fill them in. “Well he was your catalyst. He wanted one intimate picture of us and told JT to kiss me.”
Grannie smiled. “Like I said—nature did the rest.”
Derek clasped Jared on the shoulder. “Sorry you’re bummed about it, man, but I can’t say the same. I’m so happy to see JT with Jordan. They’re a ton of fun together. And she knows how to handle him. Really puts him in his place. She even got him to agree to pay down his student loans with my left over college funds, you know, because of my scholarship and all. I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Jared. They’ve got staying power.”
I turned to JT in surprise and caught the wink he gave his brother. My heart felt on the verge of bursting with joy. JT had agreed to use the money. When had that happened? Though I thought Derek was giving me way too much credit. He had made a solid argument. Derek must be elated. I felt so proud of JT for finally acknowledging how important it was to his brother to have a voice and be able to show his gratitude.
Mrs. Billette sighed and walked over to pull JT out of his seat for a hug. “I would say welcome to the family, but you’re already a part of the family. So let me just say that I’m glad Grannie’s scheming days are over and all is well that ends well.”
“Or did you have some plans for Jared that you need to talk to me about Grannie?” She chuckled at Jared’s horrified expression. “No? Ok, then we should break this party up and all get some rest. It’s been an emotional roller coaster tonight.”
Chapter Fourteen
That’s LIFE
Jordan
I could feel the corner of my mouth curve upwards as JT rambled down the basement stairs and then sauntered across the room towards me with a lazy smile on his face. A black t-shirt clung to his shoulders and revealed well sculpted arms. I knew a muscular chest and six pack abs lie just beneath the thin material. But it was the ripped thigh of his relaxed fit jeans, with a hint of hair peeking out with each stride, which caught my attention. I wanted to reach my hand inside of it and feel his skin on mine.
“Where’s Derek?” I asked as he leaned over to give me a lingering kiss.
It was wonderful to have our relationship out in the open. No more schooling my features while around Jared or resisting the urge to stare at JT’s gorgeous body. Jared was still smarting from the revelation but seemed to be slowly warming up to the idea. I hoped a night of playing games with the gang would help Jared feel more comfortable around us as a couple.
“Dragging your brother out of his room,” JT said and plopped down into the seat next to me. “Leah just arrived as well. She’s chatting with Grannie—she’ll be down in a minute.”
I pursed my lips and then leaned over to slide my hand provocatively into the rip of his jeans. We had a few minutes and needed to take advantage where we could. Finding alone time was proving difficult between JT’s work hours, Derek still living at home and Jared suddenly monopolizing JT’s time as if to prove to himself that he was still his best friend. JT’s hand shot out and stayed my roaming fingers.
“Easy babe,” he murmured and pulled my hand out to kiss it softly. “I won’t be able to stand sitting here all night with a woody. Just one more week and then Derek will be in the dorm.”
“Ugh,” I sighed and leaned my forehead against his shoulder. “I can’t wait.”
“You can’t wait for what?” Leah asked from the bottom of the stairs with Derek and Jared hard on her heels.
My head jerked towards the stairs. Leah wore a lovely red tank top with fringe running vertically down the center and dark wash skinny jeans. A wide buckle belt and brown leather boots combined with her messy ponytail and swooping bangs gave the outfit a sassy vibe. I stared in envy and wished I could master that perfect blend of messy sophistication.
I put on my best smile. “I can’t wait for this game to get started. You are H*O*T girl! You didn’t have to get all dress up for me, honey.”
A light blush stained Leah’s cheeks. “Who else do I have to get dressed up for?”
“I brought the entertainment,” Jared said, waving five beer bottles in his hands before setting them down in the center of the table. “Lay off your brother, JT. He’s in the comfort of our basement. One beer won’t kill him and no one will know but us.”
“Fine.” JT nodded his head. “Welcome to the adult table.”
Derek punched JT in the shoulder on his way to the open seat next to me. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Hey Jordan. What’re we playing tonight? A little Texas Hold’em? Black Jack?”
I got up to grab a board game from the bookshelf. “Maybe later, but first we’re going to indulge in a good ole fashioned game of LIFE.”
Jared threw his head back and glared at me. “I know what you’re trying to do Jordan. You think I’m still not on board with you and JT. Shit happens in life and you have to learn to deal with it. Is that your message?”
I felt a slight blush creep up my neck. Was I that transparent in the way I thought about things? It was exactly the point I was trying to make. But there was no way I was going to let Jared know he nailed it.
“Don’t be stupid,” I said, frowning at him. “It’s just a fun game that we all haven’t played in years.”
“Am I going to have to chain you two to your seats and gag you?” Leah asked with arched brows. “I’m not interested in a repeat performance of last weekend.”
I smiled sweetly at Jared. “Nah, Jared is just sore because I always beat him at this game.”
He stuck his tongue out at me. “All right then, little sis, bring it on.”
JT was elected to be the banker and we all pitched in setting up the board while agreeing that the youngest would start, which meant I would be last to take a turn. Jared smiled wickedly at me, reveling in the fact that as the second player he would have an early opportunity for becoming a doctor. We both knew the doctor was a near shoo in for the win.
As luck would have it, Derek had first choice of the career cards. He hooted in triumph at his good luck, “Doctor! Doctor! I’m the Doctor! All you suckers are going down. What do I get for winning anyway?”
“How about a swift kick in the ass?” Jared asked while spinning for his turn. He drew his career card and groaned loudly before sinking down into his seat. Laying his career card on the table, he covered his face with his hands in shame. He was the hairdresser.
I snorted and smiled at Leah from across the table. “See? He is a poor loser. Maybe you’re right about men in the medical field.”
“What’re you talking about?” Derek asked as he grabbed a bottle of beer and took a sip.
“I refuse to date guys in any medical profession,” Leah said. She drew the teacher career card and laid it down with a satisfied smile. “They’re egotistical jerks with a God complex and only care about money and themselves. What woman wants to play second fiddle to her man’s career for her entire life?”
“Ouch.” JT said with a raised brow and reached out to grab his career card. “Seems kind of harsh; don’t you think? There must be one or two good guys in the lot of them.” A broad smile suddenly appeared and he waived his career card in the air. “Second best career. I’m the lawyer.”
“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Jared said and folded his arms lightly over his chest while staring at Leah. “Who does that anyway? You’re stereotyping. There are some career paths within medicine that don’t require complete personal sacrifice. Just because you think
your father is an asshole who doesn’t care about his family, that doesn’t mean I’m one.”
I silently wondered if I was going to have to chain Leah and Jared to their seats soon. Leah was unlikely to be influenced by what the guys had to say about her aversion to dating men in the medical field. Lord knew I had tried countless times to help her see the absurdity of her resolve. I picked my career card and smiled over at JT.
“We’re going to be quite wealthy, honey,” I said and flashed my card at him. “Only you’re supposed to be the accountant.”
JT rolled his eyes at me and chuckled. “Does that mean you’re ruling out all men in business as well, Leah? Most Chief Executives have ‘EGO’ as their middle name and travel extensively. Why is your bias only towards medicine?”
“Well for one thing, you don’t have any control over when others get sick. It makes it impossible to plan.” She shrugged her shoulders. “At least in business there are few situations that are true emergencies and you can plan around important events in your life.”
I listened with half an ear to the on-going debate and clapped when I finally came to a full stop in front of the wedding chapel. Grabbing a blue peg, I brought it to my lips for a soft kiss and winked at JT. “Hi hubby. I think I’ll name you Justin. You look dashing in your tuxedo.”
I leaned over and gave JT a quick peck on the lips. Jared put his finger down his throat and began making gagging noises while Derek and Leah snorted in disgust as well. JT slapped me on the leg under the table while shaking his head at me lightly. I knew I shouldn’t antagonize Jared this way. I had meant for this evening to make him more comfortable with my relationship with JT, not less comfortable. It was simply too easy to tease him. But I resolved to try and behave myself.
“Why is it that men have to wear a tuxedo at their wedding anyway?” JT asked. “Who wants to look like a penguin? No thanks. I’m wearing a suit at my wedding. Or maybe a pair of jeans. Better yet—make it a beach wedding and wear a pair of swimming trunks.”
Date Night (Wish Come True Book 1) Page 14