4

Javier

We pulled up to the French restaurant. “Okay, get out,” I told Berry. She gave me a look, but I ignored it.

We walked inside. I took big steps so she wouldn’t grab my arm. This was a public place—I might run into someone I know.

“Over here, son!” Mom waved. I hurried over and kissed her cheeks. Why’d she pick this huge table in the middle? Now everyone would see us.

Berry followed and stepped up close. She bent down and kissed Mom’s hand—what?! Is she from another planet? Then she did the same to Dad. Both my parents patted her head with big happy smiles.

Mom pulled out the chair next to me and her. “Come sit here, sweetheart, right by your husband. You’re so cute and polite,” Mom said to Berry. Berry blushed a little and handed Mom the flowers.

“Oh, these are for me? Thank you! I’ve got to thank your parents for raising you so well,” Mom said, tapping Berry’s cheek.

“Yeah, speaking of that—where are your parents? How come they didn’t know you got married? If they raised you so great, why was I meeting you in a bar?” I smirked.

“Stop it, Javier,” Dad said in a sharp voice.

Berry shook her head. “It’s okay, Dad. He’s right—he deserves an explanation.”

“Mr. Javier, first, you met me in the bar because I was dropping off a job application. Second…” Berry started.

I cut her off with a loud laugh and a wicked smirk. “You mean, to be a stripper?”

“No, a waitress, Mr. Javier. I’m in my last year of college,” Berry huffed, crossing her arms.

“What college? And why didn’t your parents pay for it?” I rubbed my chin, avoiding her eyes.

“I’m studying to be a doctor, so don’t mock me. And my parents didn’t pay because they’re both dead!” Berry snapped, staring me down.

My jaw dropped. I had no words. I looked like an idiot.

I swallowed hard, trying to think of something to say. But Mom pulled Berry into a hug. “Oh, poor baby. From now on, call me Mom. We’re family. And forget that jerk,” Mom said. Great, she just called me a jerk.

The waiters started bringing out the food. Then, out of nowhere, this super good-looking guy walked up—better looking than me, even. He went straight to Berry and kissed her cheeks. “Hey, sweetheart.” Crap—Berry’s boyfriend!

Berry stood up and kissed him back. “Hi, Jimmy.”

I watched them. His grin was huge. Then Jimmy took Berry to another table. He didn’t even say excuse me! Why didn’t Berry introduce me?

I stared as they laughed loud. Jimmy kept touching Berry’s hands with hungry, lovey-dovey eyes. Mom waved in my face. “Son! What’s wrong? You jealous?”

“Me? No way! I don’t even know her! I don’t remember last night at all!” I grumbled.