Free Gorgeous Consort by E. L. Todd Page A

someday.”
    “Maybe…maybe not.”
    I moved close to him and rubbed his shoulder. “So, you want me to help you get over her?”
    “Yes.” His voice was full of shame.
    “Well, there’s something I want in return.”
    “Name it.”
    “I want you to escort me.”
    He turned to me, confusion in his eyes. “Why?”
    “My sister’s wedding is going to be a disaster. I’ll be a talking point for everyone there. But if they think I have a serious boyfriend, they’ll stop riding my ass.”
    He nodded. “Well, I can’t accept payment for it. Since we’re sleeping together…we just can’t. But I’ll gladly do it privately.”
    “Yeah?” I asked with a spurt of joy.
    “Yeah. I’ll make everyone think I’m more in love with you than your sister’s fiancé is with your sister.”
    “Well, that’s impossible.”
    “Psh,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for years. Leave it to me.”
    “Then it looks like we have a deal.” I extended my hand to shake his.
    He looked at it but didn’t take it. Instead, he nudged me in the side. “Deal.”
    ***
    I arrived at the restaurant last, unfortunately. My family was already seated at a table, and I did my best to walk with grace as I approached them. Wearing a fake smile and doing my best to seem pleased to be there, I sat down and said quick hellos to everyone. “Sorry, I’m late.”
    “It’s okay,” Kara said. “We know things are hectic right now.”
    “Thanks,” I said.
    “But you could have called ahead,” Mom said.
    I clenched my menu but didn’t say anything. Never hit your mom.
    Mom and Kara finished their conversation about the centerpieces for the wedding. I wasn’t sure why they were planning ahead so early but that was their own prerogative.
    “Well, we actually didn’t ask you guys to meet us here to discuss centerpieces…” Kara turned to Sebastian with a smile on her face. It was a look of encouragement, of excitement.
    “Then what’s your news?” Mom asked. “Did you find a dress?”
    “No…” Kara was practically squirming in her seat.
    Just spit it out already.
    Sebastian watched her with affection in his eyes.
    No one would ever look at me like that.
    Kara took Sebastian’s hand. “We’re having a baby!” She smiled wide and watched my parents’ reactions.
    Oh shit, she was having a baby? Mom and Dad would be pissed. They wouldn’t even pay for the wedding if Kara were knocked up out of wedlock. They would disown me immediately if they thought I was pregnant. I watched my parents, waiting for the explosion.
    “That’s wonderful!” Mom covered her mouth and gasped.
    What?
    “We’re going to be grandparents, dear,” Dad said.
    Say what?
    “I knew you would be supportive,” Kara said. “Sebastian and I are so excited. Obviously, it’s earlier than we planned but that doesn’t mean we aren’t thrilled about it.”
    “I’m very thrilled about it.” Sebastian gave her a quick kiss and looked into her eyes with fondness.
    This better be a fucking joke .
    My parents got up and hugs were exchanged. I finally forced myself out of my seat and hugged Kara. “Congratulations.” I was happy for my sister but I was pissed that my parents didn’t hold Kara to the same standards they held me. She could do no wrong, but I was judged for every little thing. “How far along are you?”
    “About a month,” she said. “Only eight more to go.”
    Sebastian hugged me. “You’re going to be an aunt.”
    “I am,” I said. “Congratulations.”
    “Thank you.” He returned to Kara’s side like a magnet.
    When we sat down again, the weight of the situation hit me. Now my sister was getting married and having a baby. My mom would be on my ass a million times harder. Geez…
    “So, are you still having the wedding next summer?” Mom asked.
    “Well, I don’t want to be a cow when we get married,” Kara said.
    Sebastian shook his head. “You would never look like a cow.”
    Mom smiled at him. “You found yourself