“Sprung? On me? Nothing! And he’s not sprung, so I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Mmmhmm, like hell, you don’t.” James propped her feet up on the chair in front of her. “He’s always had a thing for you, but I’ve been watching him watch you, and I can see that it’s on a whole new level now. So, either you fucked him, or you’re thinking about it. Which is it?”

“James!” I squawked then looked around frantically. Thankfully, most everyone had made their way back to the house to nibble on snacks in the kitchen and the bar, so no one overheard her. “He’s Jared’s best friend and young enough to be my son.”

My sister’s left eyebrow arrowed upward. “I notice that you didn’t deny either of those things, either.”

“There’s nothing to deny, James. Nothing has happened!” I whispered a little too loudly.

James chuckled and turned toward me. “Darcy… Young boys like that are just toys. Something fun to play with. Not a thing to take seriously. As long as he understands that up-front, everyone gets what they need, everyone’s happy, and no one gets hurt.” She stood then, towering over me with her hands on her hips as if she’d said something wise and profound instead of provocative. “I’m gonna cut out early.”

“You’re not staying for the rehearsal dinner?” I asked.

Hands still on her hips, she looked around. “To be honest, this has been a lot of togetherness for me today,” she said and didn’t bother to explain herself any further. I understood, but I couldn’t help feeling a little abandoned.

“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll see y’all tomorrow afternoon,” I said, standing to hug her.

James gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Okay, sis. And, hey…” She held me at arm’s length so she could look me in the eyes. “If Tommy Martinez is down to do something strange with you while he’s in town, let him.”

“James—” I tried to push away from her completely, but she held me fast.

“Darcy, it’s okay to take a little pleasure for yourself. You’re overdue.” She smacked another kiss on my cheek, chucked up the deuces, and said,” See you later, nephew!” before exiting the rehearsal like everyone had convened to pay her tribute.

I watched James make her way across the lawn in her super skinny jeans, wild hair, and a cacophony of brass bangles. Not for the first time in my life, I wished I could be as loud, bold, and deficient of fucks as my sister. I’ve never been good at asking for or taking what I wanted.