Lizzie doesn’t mean it maliciously; she’s a traditional woman, following my mother’s way of thinking. Why wouldn’t I settle down right after college with the first girl to catch my eye? That’s how her and her husband Shawn met years ago, and she thinks everyone else should follow suit. She doesn’t understand friends with benefits, one-night stands, or the desire to hook up with someone in my office during my lunch break.

And, yeah, it’s probably my own fault for living my life in such a gregarious way that the notion of having a woman accompany me to a family event is a bigger fucking deal than the four decades my parents have been together, but it’s too late to back down from this scheme now. It’s also too early in the weekend for anyone to catch onto us.

“I think you two are friends, and she’s helping you out as a favor,” Lizzie continues. “If you ruin this weekend for Mom and Dad with some little game of yours, I’m going to be pissed.”

Sweat forms near my hairline. My throat is parched. I yank my sleeves farther up my arms, trying to cool off, and my fingers begin to tap my thigh.

“Hey, sweetie,” a comforting voice says from behind me. I look down to find Emma sliding next to me. “Are you all having a good time over here?”

I could cry with joy knowing she’s here now, rescuing me, and I try not to hug her too tightly as I put my arm around her. I want to wrap her into my embrace and keep her here for a very, very long time.

“There you are. Lizzie was joking with me about how she doesn’t think we’re actually dating.”

Emma laughs lightly, a calming noise that doesn’t sound irritated or annoyed. “I know, right? Trust me, I get how it looks. The truth is, he’s really freaking persistent and wouldn’t stop blowing up my email. One message on the computer turned into a text message. A text message turned into a phone call which turned into dinner. Four months later, here we are. I gave in, just to put him out of his misery. Jury’s still out on whether I like him or not.”

“Wow. I was thinking things were going well. I didn’t realize you pitied me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she jokes, turning her attention back to my cousin and sister. “I know it’s hard to believe and seems like convenient timing. For what it’s worth, I think we’re really happy. I enjoy spending time with him.”

“She helped me learn to bake cookies.”

“Yeah, except more ended up on your hands and face than in the oven!”

“It’s not my fault the dough was delicious.” My hand drops to between her shoulder blades, rubbing her back in small circles.