"I'm not drunk enough to have this conversation." Jaye drank three shots in rapid succession and counted to 60. "So, I may be drunk enough now..."

"That was quick. I somehow expected it to take longer. Damn. I don't know that I'm ready for this either." Mahandra joined Jaye in another shot.

There was an awkward pause after the glassed clinked down on the bar.

"So, my brother?" At the look in Mahandra's eyes Jaye knocked back one more.

"Yes, your brother. Now considering the fact that I had issues with it, a whole heaping big plate of chicken-like issues, I fully expect it to take some time..."

"How did-- Wait, I don't really want to know."

"Well, if you did, want to know that is... it was right after you decided to rescue love."

"The love birds?"

"The love birds."

"You kept this hidden from me for that long? I thought we didn't have secrets. There are rules."

"It may be that I circumvented the rules a little bit. But--"

"And does this mean I had something to do with..." Jaye's expression turned to one of horror.

"But the rules also require that when your best friend is heartbroken you are not allowed to be happy. Or be dating her brother."

At this Jaye softened a bit. It helped that Eric came over with a smile and more kamikazes for them both, before retreating to the other end of the bar.

"Well, I suppose since I am now happy too... You have my permission to be happy. How did that happen? We don't have to stop being snarky, do we?"

"I don't think we'll ever stop being snarky."

"You know, you're not allowed to break up with him."

"Allowed? What are we, 5?"

"But you're not. It's part of the contract. Along with mandated time spent with me, a lack of relationship disclosures of any kind unless specifically asked, and no double dates. Ever."

"That seems fair. Do I have to sign it in blood."

"No, red ink will do."

Mahandra went and found a pen and scribbled Jaye's requirements on a cocktail napkin and they both signed it.

"You're just pissed that this is making your mother happy."

"You know, if you do something the next time you're over that would make her really, really uncomfortable, I'd appreciate it."

"I'll do my best." Jaye and Mahandra shared a sneaky smile. After all, what are best friends (even when they are dating your brother) for.