Page 42 of A Toast for Laurent
“And she said yes,” I said, still holding her gaze, relishing in the trip down memory lane.
“This is so exciting,” Parker exclaimed, causing Phoebe’s attention to snap to her sister.
Parker’s tone had definitely changed. For someone whose engagement party it was, she’d seemed a little somber, and now she was beaming like an expectant bride should be.
“We can go dress shopping together, cake tasting…” Parker started ticking things off on her fingers.
“No, no,” Marion said. “Phoebe is surely too busy to come into Boston for all that. Besides, I already have all the appointments scheduled.”
Parker deflated, and Phoebe leaned into her, whispering something in her ear. Parker plumped right back up. She hugged Phoebe and spun toward the rest of the room that had filled in to almost capacity. “I’m going to find Garrett and make our rounds. Have fun.” Parker skipped off, greeting people as she went.
“I need to greet the guests as well,” Marion said. She didn’t offer a goodbye, just stormed away.
“I guess I should go as well,” Mr. Hodge said. He grabbed a cocktail napkin and loaded it with shrimp. “Congratulations to you both,” he said on his return. “I hope you wait a bit. This wedding is already costing a fortune.”
“No need to worry about money, sir. Phoebe and I have it under control.”
“I always liked you.” Mr. Hodge placed a kiss on Phoebe's head, then headed off after his wife.
Once everyone was gone, Phoebe spun toward me. “What the fuck were you thinking?” She poked my chest with a little too much umph.
“I didn’t like the way Marion was speaking to you.”
“So you go and tell her we’re getting married? Have you lost your damn mind?”
“Do I have to remind you it was you who walked into my life demanding to marry me not even a month ago?”
“Yes, but I was desperate.”
“Okay, so what’s the difference if I said yes then or now?”
“You’re not really going to marry me because of some silly pact.”
“No,” I admitted, though I could envision a life with Phoebe, growing old and having children of our own. I didn’t want her to marry me for any reason other than she loved me and wanted to.
“Then what the hell, Laurent? What are we supposed to do now?”
“The same thing we planned to do. Now we just pretend we’re engaged instead of dating. It doesn’t really change anything.”
“I sure as hell hope you’re right.”
A waiter walked by, holding a tray filled with champagne glasses. I grabbed two and handed one to Phoebe. “It’s a special occasion,” I said.
She narrowed her eyes but took the glass. “You’re a bad influence.”
“No, I’m just showing you it’s okay to not cut all good things out of your life because you’re scared.” He shrugged. “Besides, stress is more deadly than anything else, and you’ve been racked with it from the moment you walked back into my life. Drink the champagne and relax.”
“Here’s that bossy side of you.” She gave me a wink, then tilted her head, revealing the long silky skin of her neck as she took a sip.
I gulped mine, hoping it would relax my dick.
“So I guess we’re engaged,” she said, and though it was fake, the words filled me with unexpected joy.
“I guess so. I’ll get you a ring.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“You have the bridal shower next month and the wedding in four. If you don’t have a ring, Marion will get suspicious. I’ll get you a ring.”