Page 78 of Unhinged

“I’ve lived with it for this long, so I can for longer. Your offer of helping me is beyond words, and I appreciate it. But I don’t want to lose the friendship we just got back. Thank you, but no.”

I turn to go back to his truck, and he says, “We won’t. I swear. Is this because I didn’t propose? Or because we don’t have rings?”

Spinning around, I throw my hands up. “No! I just told you the truth.”

“I want to do this for you.” He smirks with a shrug. “You swallowed.”

I laugh. “Fuck you.”

“Yes, please.” His smirk blasts into a grin, and he nods to the building. “Let’s make you a Rodwell.”

His words strike me, so I’m slow to move. Greg reaches down and interlocks our fingers, holding my hand and squeezing my heart.

The drive back to the bar was contemplative. Greg and I kept our thoughts and jokes to ourselves. When we return to the bar with our license, we see white twinkle lights strung up around the bar and above it.

Candi emerges from the kitchen, probably from the restroom. “Y’all are back! Separate! It’s bad luck to see each other!”

I frown. “We’re way past that.”

“No!” She grabs my hand and drags me back into the kitchen and into the locker room. Shutting the door, she shoves a pale pink dress on a hanger at me. “I think this will fit you. Hurry. Put it on. I’ll turn around.”

“But… We’re not making a big deal out of this.”

She puts her hands on her hips. “Then maybe you should. You are marrying Greg. Marrying, Simone. Right now, it may be a fake one, but you can make it real. He wants this, if you can’t tell.”

“I guess I can’t.”

She rolls her eyes. “Just put on the damn dress. You’ll have to wear your own shoes. I think our feet are different sizes.” My black-and-aqua Filas will have to do.

“Fine. I’ll humor you,” I say, snatching the dress from her. Grinning, Candi turns back around as I take off my shirt.

As I pull the dress into place, I say, “Okay. Done.”

Candi turns around and claps. “It looks so much better on you. It even shows off your boobies. Greg will be all over you tonight.”

I shake my head. “We’re not together tonight. He works.”

“No honeymoon?”

“No!”

She sighs like she’s indulging a toddler. “Okay. Just give it time. I know he has feelings for you.”

“It’s not love. Just let it go.” I’m trying to.

“What about you? Do you love him?” I’m tongue-tied, and Candi grins. “Uh-huh.”

“I don’t.” Candi shakes her head slowly, and I can’t lie. “Not like that. He’s my friend. That’s all.”

“You two drive me mad. Just get married. I’ll handle your baloney later.” I roll my eyes as Candi goes behind me. “Now to put up your hair.”

“No, really.”

“Simone, you’ll let me do this, or I’ll hurt you.”

I giggle. “Have at it, then.”

When she’s finished, she squeals, “You’re gorgeous! Greg will love it. I promise.” She goes to the door. “I’ll see if they’re ready.”

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