Page 87 of Almost Not Quite Engaged

“Did I mention the train is a luxury journey and has a spa?” My mud-soaked, drowned rat sister says. “With real towels and protection from the elements.”

“Tell me there’s laundry.” I laugh and then she does too. She wrings out her shirt and I laugh harder. I wring out my hair and flip it back. The hotel is up ahead, thank god.

“We’re adding Agra to the trip, if that’s okay...” I clap and water spritzes off of us. “... and another companion. It’s all paid for.” My jaw falls open. Is it Zane? Does he know and wants to experience India again? Down girl, you’re way too excited to see that Asshole.

“And we leave this waterlogged city in two hours,” Courtney adds.

I salute her and although soaked, annoyed, adrenaline pumping from almost dying in a park, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. And I’m kind of giddy about India. It doesn’t feel like I’m following anything but leading for the first time in my life and I can’t wait to charge forward.

My sister hands me her phone.

HER: I haven’t heard from Kat. I need to talk to her. If you reach out she might get back to me. The menu and theme are a mess. I need her to weigh in immediately. And why isn’t Zane calling his mother back? I need for the two of them to communicate with us. Birdie is beside herself waiting.

I groan and blow out a huge breath.

“Take care of your own backyard, we’re all getting sick of these messages,” she says.

“I’ve been gone like a day.”

“I know.”

Chapter 41

Handle Yourself

ZANE

Prague Airport

I wave my phone around trying not to listen to all of what she’s saying.

“Mom. Mom. Settle. You have got to stop talking about Nan. You’re right, she is great….”

“You should have been with this Kat ages ago.”

I roll my eyes as I point to my glass and then the bartender.

Prague Airport Delayed

Kat

Called my mom. This is a nightmare. Everything out of their mouths is a fucking nightmare. Apparently, you’re perfect. Still holding onto that act for everyone? Kat, what are you doing? I thought you were going to break free? Use your year wisely. I won’t be having another conversation where my mother drones on about beef or chicken and should the dessert be creamy or solid. Eww. Who wants a creamy dessert? If they nudge again, ignore, please. Call it blackmail, call it what you will, but until they hold up their end of this disastrous arrangement and cut another check, no more calls. Hope you’re well whatever you’re doing. My mother said you were traveling with me.

Z

Hold up Asshole,

I’m sorry, what just happened here? Your mother, your problem. My freaking mom asked Courtney to find me to tell you to call your mother. She’s now co-opting members of my family to do your bidding. Leave the Taylors out your mouth for a minute or get them out of Birdie’s. A text isn’t that hard. It’s not giving in to them or being perfect. It’s courtesy.

Perfect Angel

Kat

Now I want to throttle her. Here’s the Kat to remind me she’s not this fantasy woman.

Kat

Handle them. And I’ll handle myself.