Page 88 of Getting Over You

Making my life easy and acting like it’s nothing.

Belinda spent two hours preparing a roasted chicken, fingerling potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a red wine… something. Some glaze. I don’t know.

She has mentioned how hard she slaved at least three times, and demanded that everyone try everything she worked so hard for. She mentions it yet again as Gigi finishes her story about me.

“Plus,” Belinda says as we finish dinner, “I have creme brûlée setting in the fridge. It should be ready soon. Maybe just enough time to clean up, have a glass of red wine for dessert, finish off with the creme. What do we think?” Belinda stands. She has already decided, clearly.

“Sounds wonderful.” Marcus looks pleased as punch. Fucking weirdo. I still have a strong urge to punch him. “I’m going to freshen up. Amazing dinner, Bel Bel.” He’s off, pushing away from the table and bee-lining for the bathroom.

“Cade,” Belinda croons when she’s done giving a lusty stare at him that makes Gigi and I both flinch, “will you help me clean up, hon?”

My eyes flick to Gigi. I see the smallest bit of panic on her face. “I can help you,” she says, standing and wiping her hands on a napkin. She starts to pick up a plate, but I stop her.

“I’ve got it,” I whisper. “I’ll take this one for the team.”

She gives me an unsure smile. Belinda says, “Gigi. Go in the living room and relax. Talk to Marcus. You’ll be in love as soon as you get to know him.”

“I feel like I’ve known him my whole life,” she replies.

I narrow my eyes at her, curious. Will she admit she knows Marcus to Belinda? Has Marcus already spoiled it and Belinda is along for the ride at Gigi’s expense?

“Gigi.” Belinda’s tone is a warning. A very,no matter what, I’m your mother.I’m the adult. My mom uses that on me. But the difference is, my asshole nature is never warranted at my mom. Belinda deserves every ounce of Gigi’s sass.

Gigi pushes away from the table with no more than a heavy sigh.

I follow suit, albeit with obvious disappointment, standing, collecting plates and cups as I go. I get rid of my stack on a counter in the kitchen, then gather the rest of the dishes.

“Do you like him?” Belinda asks.

“Huh?”

“Marcus,” she explains, giving me a look that can only be described asduh!It reminds me of Gigi. “Is he, you know, worth it?”

I shake my head.Well, that depends on what you mean.“That’s your choice to make.”

“I don’t know, Cadey-Wadey,” Belinda laments. “I wonder, is there more out there for me?”

“Maybe.”

“Like a better guy. A more caring man. A man who knows how to lovecorrectly. I just met Marcus a few nights ago, you know? At thebeach.”

I start putting dishes into the soapy water as Belinda trails her eyes over me.

“Do you agree?” she asks. “I deserve to be loved correctly.”

What the fuck is this lady doing? I’m not Dr. Phil. My body stiffens in discomfort, my calves aching. “I guess you deserve to be happy.”

I can hear her smile. “Thank you, Cade. No one tells me that, that they simply want me to be happy.”

Anything to get her to shut up.

“You know, you’re an amazing man, Cade.”

I shift uncomfortably as the knot in my stomach tightens. “Thanks. I guess.”

“And I’ve so, so appreciated all that you do for me. How you care.” Belinda is still studying my face, not even trying to wash a dish.

“We have dishes,” I snap through clenched teeth.

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