Lahat ng Kabanata ng Jenny & Jay - Volume 1: Kabanata 121 - Kabanata 130

“Son,” Mom said the next morning, “you’re coming to Uncle Steve’s barbecue too, right?”“What do you mean too?” I asked. “Of course I’m going. Jenny wants to introduce me. She has some wild idea.”“We’re invited as well,” Dad added. “And her idea isn’t all that wild.”We went over as a family. The place was already buzzing with people—even Brian and his dad were there.“Shouldn’t you be at the beach?” I asked after we shook hands.“I thought so too,” he said, “but Dad told me it’s part of my job description—since he works with Dr. Cox.”“I take it he’s a wealthy guy, right?”“Judging by Dad’s wealth, very much so. At the firm, he’s paid more than my father—and as you know, we’re not exactly struggling.”“Great, my girlfriend’s family is getting a rich snob,” I muttered, clearly not thrilled.“Don’t be so sure,” Brian corrected me. “The guy’s actually really humble, not superficial at all. He pays attention to details and spots gold diggers from a mile away. That’s what makes him a goo

“Sure, but I think moments like that should be intimate—just two people, not a whole audience,” she said without any hint of pressure. “I need time to prepare for speeches, even if it’s just a minute. But if it’s done right, it can be a surprise. I think Mom suspected it, though,” she laughed. “One of her costume rings went missing—Adam needed her size. I only found it recently under the couch. For someone who’s all about details, he missed that one.”“How was he supposed to handle that, smartypants?” I asked—it’s a real problem to solve.“Easy. He could’ve asked your mom or me to measure it.”“Good thing she had a ring. What if she didn’t?” Jenny didn’t wear rings on her fingers.“Messyhair,” she said, rolling her eyes, “that’s super simple. Brian could’ve bought a bigger ring and had it resized after the proposal."“Logical,” I said. I loved how practical she was.“Or just measure her finger. There are lots of options,” she added. “Good thing it’s not my problem.”“What do you mean,

“Isn’t it sweet that my boyfriend brought me flowers last night after coming home late every day because of traffic?”“He wasn’t late because of traffic. He was with someone else. The flowers were guilt compensation,” I said flatly.“You’re such a jerk!” the girl snapped. Others agreed, and a lively debate broke out about what the truth might be. My head started to ache.“Take off your shoes and socks,” Donna said, bringing over a basin of water.“Do you think I should take my fiancé back after he proposed a month ago but asked for space yesterday?” another girl asked.I looked at her, then at Jenny—who was clearly enjoying the show.“There’ll be no question about whether you should take your boyfriend back,” I joked—but aside from my girlfriend, only a few guests got it. “He won’t want to come back. It’s over.”“You really are a jerk,” the girl said.Even though by now most of the room seemed to think I was rude, they still started asking me questions—wanting a guy’s opinion on this

“Sorry, family,” Paul said quickly.“Got it. Good to know.” I nodded toward the mirror in thanks. Both Paul and Brian nodded back.“Alright, let’s lay down some ground rules,” I said. “Jenny might know everything, but let’s avoid bringing up each other’s pasts unless she brings it up herself. And no jabs or hints either. Aaron, clear?” I asked, glancing in the mirror.“Sure,” he said.“And whatever’s said between us—past or future—stays between us. The girls don’t need to know. Clear?” I asked firmly.Everyone nodded.“Aaron?” I prompted. “You were about to say something earlier.”“Three girls, man. Why didn’t you tell us? I would’ve bragged for sure.”“Two girls were already legendary. As you heard, the number grew to five in just a few months. Jasmine’s already pissed—no need to add a third.”“Why did she give you two gifts?” Daryl asked curiously.“She said she couldn’t decide if I was more into blondes or redheads.”We all burst out laughing.“We never did find out why she’s mad—j

“Thanks for what you did for Jenny, Paul,” I said quietly when no one was paying attention. “I didn’t know you knew.”“She’s my best friend, Jay—and I think I’m hers too,” he said matter-of-factly. “But don’t worry, I don’t know any details, and I didn’t give her any tips. She only asked within polite limits.”“Which didn’t make her uncomfortable,” I noted with a laugh.“Exactly,” he laughed too.“Paul?” Jenny asked after a while. “Did you move your stuff out of the room?”“Yeah, I did,” he replied. “I’m getting ready at Aaron’s.”“Thank you,” Jenny smiled.I looked around, confused, as the girls stood up.“See you at the venue,” she said, touching her nose before they walked off.“What was that?” I asked Paul.“The girls are getting ready in our room. We can head out whenever we want—they’ll join us later.”“Then we’ve got a shot—we just need to go,” I said, and we headed back to our room.Jenny didn’t mess around—she took her whole bag with her.I figured Amber had prepared the outf