Page 149 of Unhinged

I try not to watch them, but with just the way he’s gesturing and laughing with her, Greg is doing what he said he’d do. I’m the dumbass for getting in with him way too deep. “You said you’re ordained, so yes.”

He shakes his head. “That’s not what I mean. I know your marriage is to get back at your daddy, but I don’t marry people under fake pretenses.”

I wrinkle my face as Lyle nods with Milt. I don’t see how he understands because I sure the hell don’t. “Does that mean our marriage isn’t legal?”

Milt drops his hands and leans toward me on his forearms. “It is absolutely legal. Only an annulment or a divorce can end it.”

I exhale, unsure of why I’m holding my breath. “A divorce? Damn. Okay… But Greg and I did have a deal,” I say, trying to sort this out. Lyle laughs as his hand shakes, picking up his beer bottle.

Milt shrugs. “Maybe as an excuse, but do you think Greg would’ve done this as a favor? Really? He didn’t offer to marry Candi when her boyfriend dumped her. Greg has another reason he married you, and I know you have the same reason. You obviously don’t realize it, but you and Greg still have a genuine, honest-to-God marriage. It’s up to you with how to honor it and each other as spouses because you are husband and wife, one hundred percent real.”

“We didn’t say all the vows.”

“You don’t need me for that. The legal part is between you and the state of North Carolina. The vow part is between you and the big man upstairs. I mean, I can have my father bless your marriage, but you and Mr. Rodwell are already blessed.” Milt pats my hand. His calluses scrape me, but right now, it’s comforting.

Lyle says, “You said it, brother. Pretty lady, put a ring on it, already.”

I squeeze Lyle’s shoulder with a smile, but my mind is a chaotic whirlwind. Candi buzzes over to me and helps clear a table. “What was that all about with Milt?”

“Just being a friend.”

“As am I,” she says with a look that could curdle milk.

“I know. Thank you.” I glance over at Greg and see Kazoo grab his forearms as she laughs, probably sounding like a little Christmas wreath tinkling with bells. Her shiny red nail polish looks professionally done. I’m sure she was super gracious to the manicurist and gave her a nice tip. Skank.

Greg continues talking to her like they’re old friends, even as he fetches refills for people sitting at the bar.

Candi says, “Simone, he won’t run around on you.”

“Huh?” I turn away from them and irritably stack low ball glasses. “He can do whatever the hell he wants. That was a stipulation to this whole thing.” But my brother cheated on Hadley. It was a major misunderstanding, and it broke them up. I don’t want to be caught in another mix-up.

Still, I watch as he leans closer to Kobo to hear her say something angelic. He then nods toward the doors and talks to Milt before walking with his future missus outside. Where in the hell are they going? No. It doesn’t matter.

Greg walks past without looking my way. Is he just doing this to make me jealous, like what I did with Ricky for Greg to notice me? What a tangled web…

No. She’s beautiful, older most likely, not in college, probably doesn’t work in a bar, and doesn’t have a soon-to-be ex-husband.

Holy Jesus.

I leave the stack of glasses and look out a front window to see them talking on the porch. Her red hair glows like lava in the light. It undoubtedly smells like freesia, honeysuckle, and vanilla. Tramp.

I can’t read lips, but their facial expressions are serious. Greg digs his right hand into his hair with a rueful smile.

Kano nods as her hand covers her mouth for a second, but she then smiles. I bet he just proposed.

Candi clutches my arm. “Simone, come on.”

Greg suddenly smiles. She probably said yes. Wait for the ink to dry on our divorce, asshole.

She steps closer to Greg and grips his green-shirted biceps. He looks down at her with a laugh, seemingly relieved, but becomes serious again. His eyes set upon hers, which resembles the moment before he kisses me. They’re perfect. She found her prince. My husband.

I can’t do this. I’m not unbreakable.

I spin around and run for the kitchen, tearing off my apron and tossing it onto the counter. Candi chases me and grabs my arm. “What are you doing?”

The tears freely flow, and I sob, “I can’t watch him falling in love with her!” My hands go to my face, but they shake, so I drop them. “I quit! I’m sorry! He can have her, but I can’t live with it in my face!”

I turn again for the locker room, and Candi cuts me off. “Tell him why, Simone.”

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