Chapter 38: Everyone convinced

Wes wasted no time after stepping out of the church. He blinked into the sun and put his arm around Janet even before her eyes had adjusted to the brightness after being in the dark building.

“You’re gonna get us in trouble,” she chastised.

“Then we’ll have something to confess next time,” he said kissing her.

She laughed. They were half way to the car with Cindy and Donny behind them when a shout made them stop.

They spun around and saw Billy with several people in his wake.

“Hi, Uncle Donny!” Billy said hugging him nearly off his feet.

"Billy, try not to kill my dad. He's the only parent I have left," Wes said, smirking.

“Billy, good to see you, too,” Donny muttered.

Cindy giggled. “Hi, Billy!”

Billy released his uncle--much to Donny’s relief--and scooped up his little cousin. “My favorite cousin!” he shouted,

“I thought I was your favorite,” Wes said.

“Only when you’re designing websites for free,” Janet said in a stage whisper, grinning at Joanne.

“That’s not true,” Joanne said, with a giggle. “Well, maybe a little.”

“Rebecca!” Wes said, releasing Janet and going to hug a very pretty girl. “I haven’t seen you for so long.”

“It’s so good to see you, Wes,” she said, smiling brightly. "Unlike, Billy, you are my favorite cousin."

“You look great,” Wes said.

“I think Billy’s told you the news?” Rebecca said.

“Yeah,” Wes said, looking at the man behind her. “Hello, Danny. Congratulations. You’re getting a heck of a wife.”

“I’d have to agree,” Danny replied holding out his hand to Wes who shook it.

Wes introduced his cousin and her fiancé to Janet.

“It’s amazing,” Rebecca said, gaping at Janet. “Wes has a girlfriend and she’s not a computer geek.”

“How do you know I’m not?” Janet asked.

Billy scoffed. “Just look at you. You ain’t no computer geek!”

Janet and Wes exchanged looks and burst out laughing.

“So, what brings all of you out so early on a Sunday?” Donny asked.

“Well, Uncle Donny, I wanted to make sure you came to my party,” Rebecca said.

“Uh, sorry, Rebecca, I can’t. I have appoint…”

“Nope, we don’t buy it,” Billy interrupted. “You gotta come. Rebecca and Danny are married now and....”  Joanne jabbed her elbow into his ribs and glared at him. “I mean, they’re engaged and we gotta celebrate. So, let’s go. I’m starved!”

“We’ll see you at home, Uncle Donny! Mom’s set up a really nice brunch for us,” Rebecca said taking Danny’s hand and turning away.

“But…but…” Donny said watching them jump into their car and leave the parking lot.

Janet grinned and took him by the arm. “Thank you so much, Mr. Sebastian,” she said, steering him to his car.

“Uh, for what?” Donny said, flummoxed.

“I really do want to get to know your family, and how better than a nice little engagement brunch? But I don’t want to spend too much time there. Your appointments are for the afternoon, right? That’ll give us an excuse for leaving a bit early,” Janet said, stopping at the car and giving him a glowing smile. “I’ve got to see my mom before she goes to work to wish her good luck today. It’s her first day and she needs moral support. You understand, I hope?” 

“Uh...sure, okay… I guess,” he said.

“This is gonna be such fun,” Cindy said, practically bouncing with joy.

Once all were safely buckled in and on their way, Wes pulled Janet towards him and kissed her soundly.

“You are the best yenta ever,” he whispered.

“I didn’t do much, Wes. Billy and Rebecca did it all,” she said.

“You’re such a liar, but I love you anyway,” he said.

Shocked, she stared at him. Wes took the opportunity to kiss her again.

“Wes,” Donny said, frowning at them in the rear view. “Wesley!”

Janet pushed him away. “Your dad’s talking to you,” she said breathless and embarrassed.

“What?” Wes said.

“I hope you’re not planning on doing that at the party. Try to control yourself,” Donny said, sternly.

“Yes, Sir,” Wes said, sheepishly.

 “So, um, how many people do you suppose will be at the party?” Janet asked. “Is it just for family?”

“No, don’t you remember Luke said he’d be here,” Wes said. “I’m sure the whole neighborhood will be there."

“Oh, that’s awesome! Maybe Luke’ll sing for us,” Cindy said excitedly.

“That would be nice,” Janet said. “I’ve never heard him sing. I want to see for myself if he’s as good as they all say.”

“He is!” Cindy insisted.

“Okay,” Janet said, giggling. “I’ll believe you.”

Within a few minutes they pulled up in front of Billy and Rebecca’s house and they all got out.  Cindy grabbed her dad’s hand and rushed him up the front steps leaving Wes and Janet behind. He helped her out and went to kiss her again, but she held him off. 

“You heard what your dad told you,” she said.

“We’re not inside yet,” he said pulling her into his arms.

“Wes, you don’t have to work so hard,” she said.

He blinked stupidly. “What do you mean?”

“Your dad’s convinced. Cindy’s convinced. Everybody’s convinced,” she said. “They all think I’m your girlfriend. You don’t gotta work so hard to convince anyone anymore. Okay?”  

Wes gaped at her and had opened his mouth to speak when she suddenly gasped looking behind him and waved. “Hi, guys!” she shouted.

Wes, though still stunned, turned to see Luke and Alana coming toward them.

“You did come,” Luke said. “Cool.”

“What? No guitar? Cindy’s gonna be devastated,” Janet said.

“Unlike what Billy goes around telling people, I don’t carry one everywhere I go,” Luke said slightly annoyed.

Janet pouted. “Darn, I wanted to hear you sing!” she said, then she grabbed Alana’s hand and pulled to toward the house. “Come on, Alana. These guys are useless. I like your dress. Very pretty.”

Luke laughed. “Your girlfriend... she’s kinda funny, isn’t she?” he said, slapping Wes on the back. 

Wes nodded absently and went up the walkway with Luke, following the chatting girls.

“She can be very charming …when she wants to be,” Wes muttered. 

His girlfriend, though? She pretty much just told him she really wasn’t that at all, and that didn’t make him one bit happy.

Yes, he had convinced everyone she was his. Everyone, that is, but the one that counted.