A little get together

Arie joined the others in the living room carrying Zack on his shoulder while the boy struggled to get out of his grip.

"Put me down," Zack yelled repeatedly punching and kicking the air cause Arie dodged every single one of his attacks. This little episode made the others laugh.

"Since Arie has only a few hours left before leaving for work..." Daisy said but Arie interrupted.

"I already called someone to cover my shift, my boyfriend is in town and my best friend is getting married to a billionaire. I'm not going anywhere we're celebrating today."

Jem's cheeks flushed when Arie mentioned her union with Matt. She started daydreaming about leaving with the most handsome man she's ever seen, well except for his brother he has no worthy rival. But the good looks of Matt's brother are not enough to influence the growing love she already has for Matt. While her mind only thought of Matt, Daisy, and Darien were making the most of the moment. Cheering and applauding Arie's speech.

"I still can't believe you'll be marrying Matteo Valdez. I know he put you through a lot but this changes everything." Daisy said excitedly. Her eyes glimmered with joy.

It sounded good to her friends, marrying Silver. A lot of girls would kill for that position. But she couldn't see the bright side of marrying a man she loves through a contract as good news and worse the said man isn't saying anything to show his interest in her.

"Hey, Jem come back to earth." Daisy snapped her fingers in front of Jem several times until Jem gasped softly turning to look at her.

"Are you okay?"

Jem nodded staring at all their faces, unlike the others who were concerned, Darien was indifferent. The stoic expression on his face dazed her for a moment she could almost guess the thought in his head.

"Jem whatever it is you have to let it go and just be optimistic. I know Matt loves you, he might even take away the contract and give you a real wedding. And you know you love him too." Jem nodded smiling while thinking about what Arie said.

The two of them are from different worlds but Matt came into hers and brought life and heaven to it. So much happened after but it didn't change everything he is still her Matteo Valdez. Her friend and her enemy, her angel and her demon. And she knows she wants him as her man, the one she loves and hates most in the world. Jem wiped her eyes before they streamed. She's tired of crying every time she thinks about him.

"I just want to be able to save my mother's bakery and get my dad out of prison." That's the real reason why she agreed in the first place so telling herself that should give her the strength to live with Matteo Valdez whether or not he decides to love her back.

"Yeah, that's the idea. But that doesn't mean you're not allowed to enjoy your marriage."

"How do you know I won't be enduring it?"

"Do you always have to do or say something to gain pity? We are supposed to have fun and celebrate good news not predict how great your union with Matteo Valdez is going to be. Think about this it could be your stepping stone to a better life." Darien sounded strict. Arie could hear the contempt in his voice as he spoke to Jem. Even Jem noticed Darien was a bit too harsh but decided to take the words and leave the tone of his voice.

"You're right I'm been pathetic."

"I'm glad you realize it." Jem stared a bit stunned at Darien's attitude toward her. She tried her hardest to hide her feelings from everyone but Arie saw right through her. He didn't understand the feud between his boyfriend and his best friend, he is certain it didn't start today.

It will be a drag if he starts talking about the same topic over and over again. It was a special day for him and he had to ensure nothing ruins it so he changed the subject immediately.

"This pizza isn't going to eat itself. I'll get the drinks." Arie handed Zack to Daisy, who held him close to herself as soon as her hands grabbed hold of him. He is quite a menace for a six-year-old. Darien whose eyes were fixed on Jem's stunned expression finally looked away as he opened one of the boxes of pizza.

"Let's dig in guys," He said mostly smiling at Jem. She returned a fake smile before looking away from him.

Arie walked in with a few bottles of drinks, the others cheered the arrival of the drinks. Each of them took a bottle while Arie handed an apple juice to Zack who refused to accept it.

"I want ice cream," Zack yelled at Daisy.

"Zack there's no ice cream here, have some juice."

Zack shook his head reluctant. "I want ice cream."

"We don't serve ice cream here you pipsqueak!" Arie screamed at Zack with an urge to rip the boy's head off his body.

"You're the pipsqueak, you dingbat."

"Zack..." Daisy cried out at her stepson. She knows her learned his dirty language from his father.

"Hey, that's alright, I'll order us some sundaes. How about that Zack?" Jem smiled at the little boy.

"Okay."

Jem did exactly as she promised. Ordered some sundaes and assured the boy they were on their way. He was thrilled to know it won't be another boring day at Arie's house. He even decided to have pizza while he waits for his delivery to arrive. It's not like he cares what they were celebrating he just decided to enjoy the happy chattering between his dad's girlfriend and her friends.