“It is to me.”
Mantis pulled back and looked between them. “What happened?”
“You wanna tell him, or do you want me to?”
“I’m not going to apologize for wanting the best for you, Dutch. We’ve known each other a long time—”
“And yet, you know nothing about me. Apologize.”
Alegria turned to Malin. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you,” said Dutch, standing and pulling Malin’s chair out. “I’ll RSVP for your wedding right here and right now. I’ll be there, and Malin will be my date. Any problem with that? I didn’t think so. Let’s go, Malin.”
“Wait a minute,” said Mantis, standing too.
“What?”
He came around the table and hugged him first, and then Malin.
“If there’s anything I can do to help with Abdul Ghafor, let me know. Although I think you may have a better relationship with him than I do at this point.”
Malin laughed. “At this point?”
“Sounds like you know more about his feelings than I do.”
Malin put her hand on Mantis’ arm. “Let’s just say that if Abdul finds out you’re here, one of two things may happen. First, he may refuse to talk at all. The other possibility is that the third world war will break out.”
Mantis laughed like Malin had. “Enough said.” He leaned forward. “Godspeed.”
“Thank you,” Malin answered.
“Unless you need us, we’re heading out.”
Dutch walked around to the other side of the table and pulled Alegria’s chair out. She stood and put her arms around him.
“I care about you,” she whispered. “I want you to be happy.”
“I know you do, but Malin is the last person you need to worry about making me happy. She does with every breath she takes.”
Alegria squeezed him hard and let go.
“Please, Al, make this right,” Dutch whispered.
She didn’t look happy about it, but Alegria walked around him to where Malin stood.
“I am sorry. I’ve known these two since we were teenagers, which sometimes feels like they belong to me. Only one does now. The other belongs to you.”
Malin thanked her and looked at Dutch. “Should we say goodnight to the others?”
“Let’s do that. I’m ready to call it a night. Take care, sweetheart,” he said, kissing Alegria’s cheek. “You too,” he said to Mantis, waving as they walked away.
“I’m sorry I put you on the spot like that. I didn’t plan for it to be more than a joke, but it didn’t play out as funny as I thought it would.”
“You weren’t very nice to her.”
“No? Well, she shouldn’t have called you out in front of a room full of people. There isn’t anyone here, Mantis included, who doesn’t think she was out of line.”
Dutch saw Doc sitting with both of his brothers and their three wives and led Malin over to them. When he saw them approach, Doc stood.