Page 132 of Unhinged

“Nothing.”

She nudges me. “Well, your hubby is off tonight, which is odd. Y’all work together a lot, so I can’t see if he’s wearing a matching grin.” Not at the moment, but he will afterward. It’s still weird to hear anyone refer to Greg as my husband, but it’s even more shocking to say it myself. If we wanted to, we could stay married. Forever. We could buy a house. Have joint checking and savings accounts. File our taxes together. Sleep in the same bed every night. Have a family. Or maybe not. The list goes on. We don’t need to be married to do most things, but it is still life-changing.

But it’s not realistic, and I can’t get hooked on that, no matter how much I love him.

I’m so fucking annoying.

I shrug. “I’m sure he’s glad to have the night off.”

“I see your boys are here. And they’re hitting it hard tonight.”

“Who?” I look around until I see Tanner and his friends. The last time I saw him here was when Greg asked me out. Actually, Tanner beat him to it, but I hadn’t given him a definite answer and kind of left him hanging.

Candi shakes her head as she clears an empty table. “So obvious.”

“What is?”

“You’re not interested in him.”

“He’s nice. Cute. My age. Single.”

“But you’re not single.”

“I am.” I roll my eyes at her expression. “Technically, I’m not, but we date other people.” I don’t want an open marriage, for fuck’s sake. I’m sure Dr. Marc Garrison, DMD, is enjoying this from afar, knowing I damn well didn’t elope while still in college, other than to shed his name and take his money.

“So date this guy, then.”

“Maybe.” No. This afternoon, I decided I’ll become a nun. Greg will date, and there’s no way I can be around for that.

I go to the bar and smile at Harold. “Hey, there.”

His frown is a new constant with me. “Hello, Greg’s wife.”

I sigh. “It’s just Simone.”

“I’m sure he’d appreciate you saying that.”

I smile at Milt, liking how we’ve become friends. “Am I working with you tonight, Milty?”

“No, missy, I’m sorry. Tomorrow night I think I’m working with you and Greg, though.”

Harold laughs. “Well, let’s just have a vow renewal ceremony, right? Or is it like you’re barging in on their honeymoon?”

I scowl at Harold. “Okay, stop.”

He holds up his hands. “So sorry to be talking about your old man like that.”

I roll my eyes as I pick up a tray. “So don’t.”

Behind me, Harold asks, “How come you two don’t wear rings? Are you ashamed of your marriage? You denied you married him.”

I whirl around and want to hit him with the tray. “I’m not ashamed. I’m so proud of Greg. He’s my favorite person in the whole world.”

Milt’s jack-o’-lantern smile catches my eye, and he says, “The girly finally gets it. Now we just have to get the husband to see it.”

I frown. “There’s nothing to see.” Just that I’m so fucking in love with my temporary husband that it’s ridiculous and depressing.

I go to Tanner’s table and greet, “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”

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