"I've never had them." Which was probably weird. Wasn't it normal for kids to eat things like Jolly Ranchers? Why did everything he know about his childhood seem strange compared to the things Clary mentioned?

"They are. Even when you want to tie them up and leave them in a closet for a few hours." Especially when the best friend kept making closet jokes to try to rile him up. He'd never actually done it. Alec was certain of that but he was sure that he'd imagined doing it to Jace regularly while they were growing up.

Glancing over at Clary, he kept his expression serious while amused by the question. "I actually had a date tonight who wasn't my sister." Despite the teasing, he knew that he made Clary nervous even though he wasn't sure why. Hadn't they been friends in New York? "Izzy's here. She should be mingling and charming everyone. I'm sure she wouldn't mind some company - " At least that would give Clary a polite out if she wanted to get away from him.