Page 22 of David

A shred of disbelief slips into my voice.

She sighs.

“Frankly. I think he found someone new and popped the question. She must’ve said yes.”

My arms soften over my chest.

“Is this how this shit works? If it’s not you, whoever’s next will do?”

“Pretty much.”

“Why was he in such a rush?”

She tilts her shoulders up and looks down before our eyes connect again.

“I don’t know. But whatever made him rush would’ve been bad for me, anyway. Men only get married in a rush in a few circumstances.”

“Name one.”

She mulls over her answer.

“When they fall in love,” I offer.

“They’re more practical than that. It’s usually some kind of pressure coming from their families. Or some inheritance with strings attached. Sometimes, it’s convenient to get married. I doubt that was his case. His life was as comfortable as it could be. Plus, I’m not the kind of girl who caters to a man’s needs. You know me.”

I do know her.

Chloe is wild, unstoppable, and sharp as a scalpel.

She has a brilliant law career in her future, although I see her doing many other things.

Unlike me.

“So that’s how things ended with Thad,” I murmur contemplatively, my gaze dipping.

“Yup.”

“And no new man in Madrid?” I ask, lifting my eyes.

“I met a few. They’re interesting.”

I say nothing.

“But nothing serious has happened,” she adds. “They have different expectations, and there are cultural differences.”

“You speak Spanish fluently.”

“It’s not enough.” Her eyes glint with a smile. “And it’s not always about talking to each other, if you get my drift.”

I laugh.

“Sure. Of course, it’s not,” I murmur, entertained.

A few moments pass.

“How about you? What’s new with you?” she asks, and dread sweeps through me.

I have nothing to talk about.

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