Free Say Nothing... (The Speak Series Book 2) by T.A. Roth Page B

brother always that scary?" he asks with a cringe.
    I laugh. At six-foot-four, Jason has always been intimidating; add the brick wall of solid muscle, and the guy is massive.
    "He's a big teddy bear. He just doesn't like guys sniffing around his sisters. I guess I should have warned Eli," I say with a laugh.
    "Yeah, that would have been nice. You could have warned me too. He didn't seem too happy with me either, and I'm only friends with her."
    "Oh, about that. He's always thought of me as one of his sisters." He arches his brow.
    "Just a sister?" he questions. I had a small crush on Jason when I was younger, but I'll never admit that to him.
    "Yes, just as a sister. Don't start," I say, smacking his arm.
    "Hmm."
    "Where are we headed, anyway?" I ask changing the subject.
    "McCormick and Schmidt. Have you ever been?"
    "No, but I've heard of it. Any good?"
    "Yeah, they're known for their steak and seafood. It's good."
    My stomach rumbles, and I sink into my seat and enjoy the rest of our car ride.
     

    My mom is speaking to the hostess when we arrive. Vonne and Eli trail in all smiles just a few minutes later and it's not long before we are shown to our table. The summer heat hasn't quite settled over Los Angeles, so we choose to eat on the patio. White linens cover the tables and small glass votives are being lit as we sit, adding to the beauty of the setting sun. The hostess hands us our menus and quickly takes our drink order before leaving the table.
    We take a moment to study the menu and decide on appetizers and entrees as our waiter returns with our drinks.
    "So I'd like to make a toast," Andrew says raising his glass. "Here's to Ben and Vonne. May you enjoy your internships and the next phase of your legal studies."
    We raise our glasses and give everyone's glass a clink before taking a drink.
    "Thank you and thank you for inviting me to dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Biram. It's very kind of you," Vonne says shyly.
    "Of course, it's our pleasure," my mother responds sweetly. Ari glances over at me with wide eyes. I know what she's thinking. Who is she and what did she do with my mother?
    "So what type of law are you studying, Vonne?" my mother asks, taking another sip of her drink.
    "Immigration. With us living so close to a border, those cases inundate the system. I'd like to help." Vonne is usually so jovial; it's weird to watch her so serious.
    "So your parents mentioned you'd be interning with a firm in San Diego. That sounds wonderful." Vonne smiles and looks over at Eli.
    "Yes, they're one the largest firms specializing in immigration law, and I was very lucky to get chosen."
    "Where will you be attending law school?" Andrew asks.
    "I'll be back at USC in the fall like Ben," she says smiling.
    The appetizers arrive at the table, and as I reach over to grab a plate, someone grips my shoulder.
    "Surprise."
     

    My muscles immediately stiffen, and I pray that Ben doesn't notice. Elizabeth seems pleased to see him, and I try to keep my smile from wavering. He's supposed to be away. He told me on the phone he wouldn't be able to make it. What the hell is he doing here?
    "Hey," Ben says confused. He stands to shake his hand. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't going to be able to make it,” he asks relaying my thoughts.
    "The band got asked to do a show for some young heiress's birthday party. The girl's father offered a ridiculous amount of money and flew us out on his private jet. We just got in. I came straight from the airport." Ben nods without a word.
    Elizabeth and Andrew stand and greet Amos as he pulls up a chair next to Ben.
    "Hello, Ari. Nice to see you again," he says as he takes his seat.
    "You too," I say tightly.
    The waitress brings him a menu and takes his drink order.
    "So I know Eli. Nice to see you again, but I don't think I've met you yet," Amos says, looking at Vonne.
    "I'm Vonne, Ari's best friend. I also graduated with Ben."
    "So are you the one who played matchmaker with these two?" he