As Fannie entered the dining room, her parents greeted her with unusual brightness in their eyes, her mother clutching her hand with palpable excitement.
âItâs really good news!â she exclaimed.
The table was heaped with more dishes than a typical family dinner, hinting at the significance of the evening.
Seated with both families arrayed around the table, Fannie found herself directly across from Jett.
The setup felt conspicuously like a matchmaking event.
Their conversation soon confirmed her suspicions.
Jettâs mother, Ivy Lee, broke the ice.
gⱯlnÏνð®ðsâ¤com holds stories for every mood âJett isnât getting any younger.â
Fannieâs mother, Kaya Cooper, chimed in with equal concern, âAnd neither is Fannie. The only thing unresolved in our family is her marriage. Her father dreams of welcoming a son-in-law almost every night!â
Jettâs father, Willie Lee, acted surprised.
âReally? Weâve all been friends for so long, and Iâve noticed Jett treats Fannie better than his own sister!â
Bartley Cooper, Fannieâs father, looked at Jett with approval.
âJett is a fine young man. I often wonder who will be fortunate enough to become his wife.â
Their gazes turned towards Fannie and Jett, clearly inviting their input on the matter.
Dulce, catching on to the eveningâs agenda, blurted out, âOh! Youâre trying to pair my brother with Fannie!â
Under the weight of everyoneâs expectations, Fannieâs cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and she averted her gaze.
Amidst the awkward silence, Jett stood up, addressing Fannieâs parents confidently.
âMr. and Mrs. Cooper, I have deep feelings for Fifi. Iâve cared about her for a long time.â
Dulceâs jaw dropped in surprise, not so much at Jettâs declaration, but because Fannie harbored feelings for someone elseâa notorious playboy.
âJett, are you serious about this?â Dulce asked with a hint of disbelief.
Jett looked deeply into Fannieâs eyes, his resolve clear.
âIâve never been more certain about a decision in my life. Letâs get engaged, Fifi.â
Fannie, caught off guard, responded with rising apprehension, âJett, are you using our families to pressure me?â
She had sensed something was off when her parents seemed overly enthusiastic, but she hadnât expected Jett to make such a bold move.
Jett pressed on, âFifi, do you really feel nothing for me? Weâve been close for years. Next to Dulce and your own family, Iâm the one who knows you best.â
âBut Jett, friendship isnât the same as love.â
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