Page 17 of Blush

I’m not a big drinker, but I tend to have more than one when I’m forced to watch Jackson interact with other women.

“Do you want to try these?” The obligatory offering to Frankie.

She grabs one of the small plates and helps herself to a nacho. “I shouldn’t. But these look fabulous.”

I heap several nachos onto a plate for myself and take a bite. Yum. Seared ahi is sublime, and with green onions, soy sauce and wasabi, just a touch of crema, piled on deep-fried flour tortilla chips?

Wow.

Frankie and I have nearly depleted the nachos, and I’ve placed another order, when Isabella and Jackson return to the table.

“Eating without me, Mandy?”

At least he didn’t add theCakethis time. “Don’t worry. Another order’s on the way. Seared ahi nachos.”

“Sounds great.” He downs the rest of his gin and tonic. “How is…everything?”

“Fine. We just talked on the phone today, Jackson.”

He raises an eyebrow, and it dawns on me. He’s asking about Lustr.

I raise my eyebrow back at him, mentally saying,Do not speak of that in front of my sister.

He seems to get it as he turns to Frankie. “Where’s Penn tonight?” he asks.

“I’ve no idea. He knew we were doing the fitting tonight, and you know. He can’t see me in my dress.”

Jackson nods. “Three months?”

“Yes,” Frankie says. “It’ll be at Penn’s parents’ place. Invitations will go out soon. We don’t have time to do a save the date.”

Jackson nods again as Jane brings the second plate of nachos and another sidecar for me.

“I’ll have another.” Jackson jiggles his glass that is now filled with nothing but ice.

“Right away.” Jane smiles.

Jackson grabs a plate and piles nachos onto it. “These look amazing.”

“They are.” I grab a few more for my own plate. “Frankie?”

“No more for me. I’m full.”

“Isabella?” I ask.

“Thank you, but no.” Although she eyes them longingly.

Jane brings Jackson’s drink, and he hands her his credit card. “Put all of this on my tab, love.”

“You don’t need to do that,” I say.

“I know. I want to.”

“Thank you, Jackson.” Frankie smiles. “I’m strapped right now with the wedding and all. I appreciate your generosity.”

“Yes, thanks.” This from Isabella, who I swear to God doesn’t know the meaning of intonation.

Seems to work for Jackson, though. After he finishes the food on his plate, he takes Isabella back to the dance floor for another spin.