of course their little pact doesn’t stick. I like the thought of being proven wrong, you know? The idea that you think you know what you want when, in reality, you have no idea.”
“You’re a hopeless romantic. I mean, you look like you walked off the pages of one. And with a name like Jett?”
“It was either that or Jules. No way was I going by Julius. Not my fault I got the worst of our nicknames.”
“Mom and her Roman names.”
“We all hate you for getting a normal name, you know.”
“Except for Marcus.”
“Yeah, well, we hate him for it too.”
“Kassius would have gotten Kash stuffed in just as many lockers as Julius would have.”
“None of us ended up conventional, did we?” he mused. “Well, except Marcus.”
“And note he’s the only one without a nickname.” I turned the conversation back to him. “Anyway, stop deflecting. Did you ask Georgie out?”
“Anybody ever tell you you’re nosy?”
“Daily. It’s hereditary. When was the last time you did anything without Mom knowing about it?”
“Never once. How much you wanna bet Luke’s already told her about Georgie?”
“I don’t take bets I know I’ll lose. I don’t think Luke’s kept a secret since he was in diapers.”
He sighed. “I’m into her, it’s true. But she mentioned something in passing that I’m pretty sure wasn’t in passing at all. Did you know they’re not allowed to see their clients? Or in this case, employees of clients?”
My frown was magnificent. “What? Why?”
“I don’t know. I think normally it’s an unspoken professional rule, but their firm has policies against it.”
I snorted a laugh. “Isn’t Georgie the boss’s niece and heir to the company? She’d couldn’t actually get fired, could she?”
Jett cast me a look. “So she should defy the rules and put her aunt in that kind of position with the rest of their employees, or worse—get fired? Come on, Lane. As romantic as that is, it’s not real life. And anyway, I’m sure their family would think it was tacky. And they’re the kind of people who avoid tacky at all costs.”
“Wouldn’t have been able to tell by Darcy’s standards. Rich as he is, he has terrible manners. I’d go so far as to declare him The Worst.”
“Look at the bright side—now you don’t have to worry about him trying to date you.”
I didn’t laugh. I cackled. “Darcy. And me.” Another rip of laughter. “He wouldn’t even agree to dance with me, I’m so beneath him. We’re not like them. As if where we came from matters.”
But Jett didn’t laugh. His lips were a sober line. “It does to them. Do you have any idea where they came from?”
“Upper East stock. Poor little rich kids. Elite prep schools and Ivy League colleges. They’re privileged. We all know the type.”
Jett shook his head. “Their aunt runs one of the top ad agencies in New York. When their parents died, I’m pretty sure they inherited more money than our upper-middle-class brains can comprehend. With their legacy? They’re New York royalty. It’s no wonder Liam Darcy didn’t put on a Fabio wig and take his shirt off. I just don’t get why you’re so pissed at him for being stuck-up. I don’t even know him, and it feels on-brand.”
“Seriously? Am I wrong to think people should treat each other with common decency and respect? Georgie is nothing like him, and she’s got to be just as wealthy as him.”
“Darcy was in college when their parents died. Georgie was in high school. I figure he had to grow up pretty quick, and I also figure Georgie escaped that burden.”
“That’s a lot to assume.”
But he shrugged. “It’s what I would have done for you, if the tables were turned. I’m not saying he’s not an insufferable dick, but give the guy a break, Laney. Just try.”
He managed to make me feel more than a little ashamed, though my irritation with said insufferable dick still held more power.
“I’ll try if he’ll try. Georgie practically asked me to give him a hard time. And can anyone say no to her?”
“I cannot imagine they do.”
We walked in silence for a moment.
“I’m sorry you can’t ask her out.”
“Me too. But maybe it’s for the best.”
I made a face. “Ew, Jett. Ew. It is not for the best that the first decent—no, spectacular—girl you’ve come across can’t date you. Frankly, that’s bullshit, and I’m offended you’re so calm about it.”
“Why get upset when you’re mad enough for the both of us?”
With a huff, I punched him in the arm.