We eat the chicken and rice with broccoli while the three older boys fight over the food. Trent is quiet, never looking up from his plate. I don’t know what I did to repulse him so much. After dinner Jack says he wants to play one more game so I go into the family room to watch television. Trent and Gabe are already in there and I feel like a fool if I just turn around and walk out of the room so I sit down on the opposite side of the couch as Trent. A couple minutes later Gabe leaves mumbling something about homework.
I take this as my chance to find out what has happened to Trent and why he is so set on ignoring me lately.
“So, you like Kenna?” I ask not turning my head from the television.
“I don’t know.” He shrugs.
“You don’t know? Why did you ask Evan to ask me to ask her then?” I shift my eyes through the corners to see his expression.
His body rises and falls sighing. “I wanted to see what you would say.”
“What do you mean? If you like her go ahead and ask her out.” I decide to take the encouraging to break my heart route.
“I don’t like Kenna.” He moves closer to me on the couch. I am totally confused by this boy.
“Then why did you have Evan ask me?” I face him on the couch. We have been friends since we were in diapers why is everything so awkward now.
“I wanted to see if you would be jealous.” He takes my hand and entwines our fingers.
“Did you get the reaction you wanted?” I ask not removing my hand with his.
“No, I thought you liked me, am I wrong?” He is staring at me. His crystal blue eyes are boring into me and I can’t turn away.
“You are right, I like you.” I bite my lower lip not sure what happens now. His mom or brothers could walk in at any time.
“I like you too.” Trent whispers and turns around to watch television never letting go of my hand.
Chapter 2 – Present Day 25 years old
The plane dips down and both my hands clutch the armrests. I have never liked flying but I am extra on edge this trip. I don’t want to go back home but I have no choice. My brother has decided to finally marry his college sweetheart Lindsey Jacobson. Don’t get me wrong; I love Lindsey, I couldn’t ask for a better sister-in-law. The problem is they planned a weeklong wedding extravaganza and like every other wedding of the Bigs and Little’s during the past years everyone is involved. I would not only be spending a week with Jack and Lindsey and their wedding party, it would include Bryan, Mackenna and from what I heard last night, Trent.
A hand goes over my mine squeezing. “It’s alright sweetie, just some turbulence.” Ian Fisher, my best friend says quietly.
“I know. I hate flying.” I say. Ian and I became best friends back in college when we worked together at the rec center senior year. We both lusted over the same male. Unfortunately, for me the hot male swung Ian’s way, not mine.
I made Ian take a week off of work to come with me and since he knows most of the people it would make it easier. I need him there with me to face everyone again.
“It’s going to be fine Maddy, just relax.” Ian looks at me squeezes my hand and goes back to reading his magazine. We both know he isn’t talking about the flight and we both know things won’t be fine.
The plane lands five minutes early and I am thankful to get off. Ian and I make our way to baggage claim and Ian stops to get one of the carts.
“Why do we need that?” I ask sharply.
“For our bags, I can’t carry them all.” He snaps back to me.
How many bags to do you have?” I met him at the gate this morning so both of us had already checked our luggage.
“I don’t know.” He tilts his head down looking at me through the top of his eyelids.
“Oh God, you probably have more than me.” I shriek.
“Probably. Now help me pull this through.” Ian is yanking at the cart corral.
“Here, let me help.” A deep voice says from behind us.
I see the tanned firm forearm easily guide the cart out of the corral. My eyes roam from his arm up to the firm bicep to his strong shoulders and when my eyes reach his face I gasp.
“Hey Madgirl, long time no see.” Gabe Basso says smirking at me.
“Hey Gabe, what are you doing here?” I ask surprised.
“Came in for the wedding. Groomsman.” His eyes leave mine focusing on Ian “Hi, I’m Gabe.” Placing his hand out for Ian.
Ian looks as dumbfounded as me but puts his hand out to shake Gabe’s.
“Sorry, Ian this is Gabe Basso. Gabe this is Ian Fisher.” I motion my finger back and forth between the two of them.
“Nice to meet you.” Ian says.