Page 17 of Not Mine To Love

“I can see why; just by interacting with her for a few moments, she’s a sweet person.”

“One of the best,” he said. “Just authentic. Down to earth. A genuinely good person. Which makes me convinced that she was adopted.”

I looked at him and we both laughed. I knew he was referring to Claire.

“Claire’s not so bad.”

“That’s because you haven’t had to spend more than a few moments with her.”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s probably just a concerned mom.”

“Concerned that a guy like me is marrying her daughter?” He seemed to take it personal, but I could understand that.

“Maybe it’s not you personally.”

He shot me a dubious look, and I shrugged.

“Oh, I’m very sure it’s personal. She’s hated me since she met me.”

“Well, maybe she has a reason for hating you?”

“Sure. Because I’m breathing, that’s enough for her.”

“Well, have you tried just holding your breath around her?” I said, joking to lighten the mood.

“And passing out and dying?”

“Hmmm ... well you do want her approval, right?”

“Sure, I would just rather be alive to get it.”

“I’m not sure that will happen.”

“You think if I died right here and now that she would just push my body into a dumpster and call it a day.”

I shook my head. “I kind of think she would have a party.”

He laughed, “You’re right.”

He paused then and said, “I like your sense of humor, Becca.” He squeezed my arm, gave me a brilliant smile, and said, “See you inside.”

He had gotten my name right.

I watched as he jogged up the steps and went to stand by Ana’s side. She looked up at him with a sense of relief, and he took her hand in hers, giving her a reassuring smile.

I knew I looked weird staring at him, so I took a picture to capture the moment. He was her knight in shining armor. He was her support.

I envied them. I envied Ana, that she had a man like Julius. He was strong, funny, and handsome. Everything a girl could want in a man, and he was completely dedicated to her.

I felt an ache in my heart and chalked it up to loneliness. But as I watched Ana and Julius together, I wished I had met him first. If nothing else, but to at least be his friend.

4

“So how was the wedding?” my dad asked when I got home that evening.

“It wasn’t a wedding, just the engagement party,”

“Oh, well, engagement party then. How was it? Hope it was better than yours. You threw up the whole time.”