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he never mentioned her before the big announcement.
    She looks at Derrick. “And to see you again.”
    He gets this puppy dog look on his face. I’m afraid he’ll start humping her leg any minute. Can you say pathetic?
    “I love you,” she tells him.
    He gets a goofy smile on his face. “I love you, too.”
    Has he told anyone he loves them since Mom? Have I? Suddenly, I hate her again, and the punch to Derrick’s head is sounding like a good plan.
    ***
    Zila’s? What kind of name is that for a restaurant?
    I pull the Hummer into the parking lot. I guess Lora’s mom owns this place. I had no idea this engagement party would really be a dinner at her family’s place. It feels like a point for their team, like we’re on their territory, and that kind of annoys me.
    Lora and Derrick drove together, and I followed them over. I always drive my own car when I can. She turns to wave at me before walking inside. This girl is way too nice. Derrick heads my way, and I consider throwing him in the back and driving off.
    Instead I get out and slam the door. See? I can be reasonable.
    “I need you not to be an asshole tonight, D,” Derrick tells me.
    “What? I’m not an asshole. Trying to impress the new family?” It pisses me off when he ignores the family part.
    “Seriously. Don’t mess this night up for me, or I’ll kick your ass. You might even have fun. Lora has a sister around your age…”
    Nice. Just what I need. Another overly nice, Team Marriage girl to deal with. This night just keeps getting better and better.
    “Actually… forget about her sister. I mean, be nice to her, but I know you. Keep your hands off. Seriously.”
    “What?” I push him. “Are you really trying to warn me off my future sister-in-law? First of all, I can find my own girls without trying to hit on someone at an extended-family function.” How weird is that? “Second, if she’s anything like Lora, I’m steering clear.”
    Derrick suddenly looks like he wants to murder me.
    “Nothing against her. Geez, simmer down Fight Club. I’m just saying, she’s not my type.”
    I’m pretty sure this girl must have some magic power to seduce unsuspecting men, and the last thing I want is to get myself in the trap.
    “Just come on, Lil D. I don’t want to be late. Dad already is.”
    I try and put on my happy face for him. Until Dad gets here it will be on me to play nice. “Okay. I’m starving.”
    We walk inside, and I’m still a little annoyed. But the place is pretty cool. A little more earthy-hippie than I go for, but black trim, good music, and funky printed wallpaper. Not bad.
    Derrick introduces me to Lora’s Mom and Dad. Her dad looks pretty kicked-back, but her mom is running around like she’s hopped up on crack. She’s definitely the over-achiever of the group.
    I find a corner and watch my brother smile and talk with his new family. He hasn’t let go of Lora’s hand once, and I wonder why--if he’s afraid she’ll be gone if he lets go or afraid he won’t be able to take care of her. It’s so strange to see Derrick looking all… domestic. It reminds me of after Mom was gone. How he stepped up to the plate and took care of me.
    I shake my head. Definitely not going there.
    Finally Dad arrives. He sees me in the corner and gives me a sad smile. And I get it. He understands how I feel and probably feels the same way.
    He’s sucked up in the tornado of Lora’s family. Dad plays it perfectly, always smiling and talking the way a good lawyer can. I find myself wondering about the sister. Maybe she’s in the kitchen making hot chocolate.
    A few minutes later they’re having us sit down at a long table for dinner. There’s an empty spot next to me, which I assume is for—holy shit! The sister is standing in the doorway. Green eyes, white T-shirt. No. No, no, no, no. Lora’s sister is Hanes?
    Her gaze catches mine, and she stumbles a little, recognition lighting her face. Yeah, she remembers me, too. I’m not