Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(104)

“Okay. Sorry. What is it?”

“I don’t remember anything after we toasted to Henry and Maggie other than dancing,” I quietly announce scrunching my face.

“We all danced. You stayed a bit away from Maggie and Henry, but we all did for the most part. They were in their own little world by that point. When we left, you road with Nathan, Joe and me. Joe and I took you back to your room and Joe offered to assist you if you needed it. I knew you’d be fine after taking the charcoal. That shit works pretty good on you,” he describes.

“So I didn't say or do anything out of the ordinary?” I check.

He thinks. “Not really. I know you and Joe joke around a lot and you did a bit before we left as well as in the car ride back.”

“What made us leave?”

He laughs. “You and Joe were joking and you dogged him, claiming that he was trying to sleep with you.”

“Sounds about right,” I agree.

“Was he trying?”

“I don’t remember, honestly.”

Jared doesn’t need to know the real truth behind that statement, or else I’ll need to be explaining a lot of things, which I’m not interested in doing.

“Anything else you need to know, Kitten?”

Uncomfortably, I mutter, “Joe claims that I kissed him.”

“What?!” he gasps loudly, forcing me to punch him. “Ow. Sorry. I deserved that. So, did you?”

“I don’t know,” I report truthfully.

“Well, he’s a handsome man . . . has the hots for you, and it has been a while for you since, you know,” he nonchalantly comments. “Too bad.”

“Too bad, what?”

“Too bad you don’t remember. Maybe you can get some action out of the situation regardless,” he teases.

“No. Hell no. You know my rules,” I sternly press.

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Jared wraps his arm around me, holding me tight. “That doesn’t get rid of the most likely possibility that he actually does like you more than we think and that he might try at some point. What’s not to like with a woman like you? You’re smart, beautiful, funny . . . you love to do things and make your own money.”

I shake my head, opposing his statement to end the discussion. Jared chuckles at my expense.

We continue hiking and exploring for the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sights, sounds and peace. With our bellies grumbling, we elect to find somewhere to feast. One of the locals recommends a restaurant called Mama’s Fish House which is on our way back to the hotel.

Maui’s first fresh fish restaurant, Mama’s Fish House is nestled in a coconut grove on a secluded white beach. The building emulates old Polynesian style from the wood floor and walls as well as the original artwork that hangs inside. Jimmy’s and Allen’s faces beam with excitement for the art and inquire of the waitstaff for more information. Looks like they might be bringing some Hawaiian flair to their art gallery back in New York.

Everyone orders something different for appetizers and entrees so we can each have a bite of the fresh delicacies. The chef was pleasantly amenable to create a fresh, uncooked plate for Sadie.

Laughter and jokes swell from our table and out past the outdoor porch, where we’re sitting in the quaint restaurant. Nothing like great food and great people to celebrate a wonderful vacation as the sun begins to set.

“So . . .” Jimmy strikes conversation back up after we’ve all had a few mouthfuls of our entrees. “I want to know wedding details!”

The pit of my stomach twists and my appetite vanishes instantaneously. I lower my fork to my plate and swallow a large gulp of my Ulupalakua Framboise Raspberry Wine that was made right here in Maui. The day was going so well until now.

“Yeah! Do you know who your bridesmaids will be?” Allen eagerly adds.

“Well, Emma as maid of honor, of course,” Maggie immediately announces.

My eyes widen and I try to smile my excitement for being named the maid of honor and the fact that we’re talking about Maggie’s wedding already.


“Then Jared, Nathan, Amy and Kim,” Maggie continues.

“Who’s Amy and Kim,” Jimmy questions.

“My cousins.”

“You sure that will work?” Nathan questions.

“Why?” Maggie asks.

“Most people aren’t used to seeing men as bridesmaids,” explains Jared. “I’m happy to do it because I love you, but people might give some odd reactions when they see Nathan and me standing on your side.”

“So. It’s my wedding, not theirs. If they don’t like it, then they don’t have to come,” Maggie asserts.

Everyone laughs at her honest declaration.

“Anything to make my sister happy!” Jared chimes in.

“Is Jared really your brother?” Allen explores.

“Emma and Jared are family. We aren’t blood, but that doesn’t make them any less family in my eyes. They’ve been my family for the last eight and a half years,” Maggie explains.

Jared and I blush at her announcement. I love Maggie and the genuine relationship she’s shared with Jared and me. That’s what makes her getting married so hard for me.

“Who’s the best man, Henry?” Jimmy pries.