First Comes Like (Modern Love #3) - Alisha Rai Page 0,94
going along with this engagement.”
“What’s the alternative? I tell everyone those texts aren’t between me and Dev?” Jia flipped open her suitcase and pulled out the dresses she’d bought to wear over the next couple of days. She hoped Shweta approved of the red shalwar kameez she’d chosen for dinner.
Ayesha stomped over to her own bag. “You could say you’re not engaged, at least. I’m worried about you, you doofus. I can totally see you getting married because you’re stubborn and don’t want to tell Mom that you screwed up.”
“Lower your voice,” Jia hissed. “You know she has, like, a sonar when it comes to us talking about her.”
Ayesha pulled out her clothes. “You know I’m right.”
“You’re not right. For the record, both Dev and I know we can pull out at any time before marriage. Or even after.” She almost tacked on a ribald joke, but Ayesha wasn’t in the mood. “And secondly, I’m not doing this to please Mom or anyone else.” She was past that. She was evolved now, thank you very much.
Pleasing herself caused way less stress than trying to please everyone else. It was like she’d taken a dial and turned down all the noise in her brain. She could finally hear herself think.
Jia shrugged. “It wouldn’t be so bad. I could do a lot worse.”
“That’s not a ringing endorsement, that he’s not the worst you can do.”
“Okay, he’s probably the best I could do, is that better?”
Ayesha crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah? What’s so great about him?”
“He’s perfect.”
“No man is perfect.” Her sister said the words with such world weariness, she sounded like Rhiannon. When this was all over, Jia hoped she could introduce her family to her second family.
“He is. He’s kind and has this really dry sense of humor.” She paused. “He cracks me up, actually. He seems all stern at first glance, but underneath that seriousness, he’s a sweet pussycat. He let me win at Scrabble.” Jia shook her head. “And did it in such a charming way, it didn’t hurt my pride one bit.”
“Hmm. What else?”
Jia stretched to hang her clothes in the closet. “Oh, he’s great with his niece. She lives with him, and he is so patient. He takes her to school every day and helps her with her homework at night.”
“How does he feel about your work?”
“He loves it. He even takes photos for me. He treats me like I’m actually a serious businesswoman and not a—” She caught Ayesha’s look. “What?”
“Wait a darn second. You like him.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
Ayesha clasped her hands over her mouth. “No. You liiiiiiiiiike him.”
Jia glared at her sister and shushed her. It wouldn’t do for their mom to hear she liiiiiiiiked her fiancé! “Very mature.”
“Oh my goodness.” Ayesha rested her arm on the bureau. “This is going to make a great storytime someday for you. Talk about content.”
Jia growled. “Quit it.” Quit telling the truth.
“What’s wrong? I think it’s sweet that you’re falling for the man you got maneuvered into a fake relationship with.” Ayesha squinted. “Weird, but sweet. Why didn’t you tell me this before? If you’d said, Ayesha, I’m madly in love with this man and can’t wait to make out with him, then I wouldn’t have worried. Of course I’ll help you close this deal now.”
Jia groaned. Sisters. “You stink. Why don’t you shower first?”
Ayesha’s mood had undergone a 180. She walked to the bathroom, whistling a jaunty tune. “Jia and Dev, sittin’ in a tree . . .” She ducked without turning around, and the pillow Jia had thrown smacked right into the wall. “Stop damaging your future in-law’s house,” Ayesha chided her.
“I’m gonna damage somebody. Hurry up.”
“Why, you want to see your fiancé?” Ayesha made kissing noises and crossed her arms over her chest until they wrapped around her.
Jia picked up another pillow, but Ayesha kicked the bathroom door closed on her laugh.
DEV HAD WANTED to be at the house to greet Jia and her family, but his uncle had insisted he go to the market to pick up some items for the dinner he’d seized control of cooking. Since Adil had been uncharacteristically quiet over the past twenty-four hours, Dev hadn’t wanted to deny him his fresh spinach. He’d rushed home as soon as he’d gotten the texts that she’d arrived earlier than planned.
He made a quick stop to drop the groceries off in the kitchen. Adil Uncle greeted him when