17
"I have to give a speech before dinner is served," I explain while we wait for the bartender to come back with our drinks. "And once everyone is fed, we'll be herded into the ballroom next door for more cocktails and dancing."
You smile coyly. "Edward, you do realize this isn't my first Masen's Toy event, right?"
My eyes widen in surprise because surely I would remember if I'd seen you before our blind date.
"Yeah, Leah and I attended the toy drive last winter. I facilitated the collection at my school and received a ticket as a reward for all of my hard work." You look confused. "You signed the invitation, but now that I think about it, you didn't attend the party."
That explains so much.
"Ah, I had very little to do with last year's drive. I came down with pneumonia, and Kate had to do all the heavy lifting. I tried to go against medical advice and attend and wound up exacerbating my symptoms."
"Oh."
Kate laughs softly. "He ended up having to get a room at the venue and fainted."
I did not faint.
"I did not faint!"
My evil best friend ignores me.
"Jasper crashed from a sugar high and was supposed to be taking a nap in Edward's room, but this one went down, and he panicked." She elbows me in the gut. "I'm sure you remember that the building was evacuated in the middle of the art auction."
You choke on your drink.
I groan.
"When Edward fainted, my son pulled the fire alarm instead of dialing nine-one-one like a rational person would."
I'm mortified.
"Oh, Edward."
You're biting your lip and trying really hard not to laugh at my expense.
"Go ahead."
You clutch your stomach, toss your head back, and cackle. And I can't even be mad because, damn, you are so fucking beautiful.
What are you doing to me, Bella?