Page 112 of Ex Marks the Spot

“As we reported in February, Court Mueller—Billings’s ex-boyfriend and reality show teammate—popped the question with a one-carat blue sapphire and diamond ring. When asked about the upcoming nuptials, the source said Team Hartbreak has no plans for a wedding.”

“Their source sucks,” Court mutters as I return the magazine. “Wait, do you think it was one of the employees?”

I shake my head. “A customer recognized me and asked about the show and our wedding. I gave her our standard public response that we were still looking at our options and hadn’t finalized anything yet.”

The last part isn’t true, but I’d rather the public not know we’re getting married at Bandit Lake in two weeks. After the ceremony, we’re flying our parents, my brother’s family, Rhett, and Ella to Italy and Spain for a honeymoon-slash-family vacation.

As far as the tabloid goes, the only thing it got right was me being at the dealership in the first place. The man in the sportscar is the general manager and the paperwork he signed was the contract for me to paint a mural in their lobby. I got started that afternoon, which is why I wasn’t wearing my ring.

Becoming a muralist was more of an accident than a plan. After moving to Green Valley, I had no idea what my future looked like career-wise. I was okay with that, especially considering most twenty-nine-year-olds don’t get a chance to think about what they want to do without stressing about income in the meantime.

The day Court learned he’d be a world history teacher for the upcoming school year, I immediately knew I wanted to paint a mural in his classroom of the places we visited during the race. The only problem was having to wait until summer to get started, so I killed time by painting the school’s mascot in the gym over spring break. A student posted a photo of it on social media, word spread from there, and now I’m booked through October.

I keep expecting to wake up from this crazy, amazing dream but it hasn’t happened yet.

“Hey guys,” a voice says behind me.

Court waves as I turn and smile up at Everett Monroe. He owns Twenty Sides and Sundry, a gaming shop on Main Street, but still takes on small projects for his family’s carpentry business. We met earlier this year when my parents moved to Green Valley and needed help making their home more wheelchair friendly. The day before they closed, Everett built ramps off the front door and back deck so my dad could have full access as soon as they got the keys.

“I’m actually glad I ran into you,” he continues. “I have an idea for a mural at the shop that I want to run by you.”

“I’d love to hear about it, but I’m not booking until after Halloween. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s no problem. Based on the one you did for Daisy’s Nut House, you’re worth the wait.”

Court snorts a laugh and looks over at me. “He’s not wrong.”

Rhett pushes back from the table and stands. “May I have your attention please?”

“What’s he doing?” Court whispers as our friends and family quiet down.

I shrug innocently while avoiding eye contact with Gianna so neither of us start laughing as she slips out of her seat at the contestants’ table. Tonight is my rehearsal dinner at The Front Porch and the three of us have been plotting this moment for weeks.

“For those I haven’t had a chance to meet, my name is Rhett and I’m the best man. Part of my duties include telling you how amazing this guy is...which I’m happy to do during my speech at the reception tomorrow. Right now, I think it’s time for a little entertainment.” He signals two servers, who move a curtained partition to reveal a TV on a high-top table. “I hope you all enjoy this unaired clip from the season finale of Xtreme Quest as much as I have.”

With that, he plays a scene from Court and Gianna’s challenge at Edge.

Positioning her back to the New York City skyline, Gianna wraps her arms around her waist and shakes her head. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“What if I gave you another option besides kicking me in the junk?” Court replies.

“Like what?”

“Hartley doesn’t know this yet, but we’re gonna get married. If you can lean out from the building for thirty seconds, you can be a groomsman in the wedding.”

“I’d take you up on that if she’d already said yes, but right now kicking you still sounds like the safer bet.”

“Your lack of faith wounds me.” He presses his hands over his heart for effect, coaxing a small laugh from Gianna.

“Are you ready?” the instructor calls from off camera.

“One second,” Court says before giving his attention back to Gianna. “How about we up the ante? You do this lean and I’ll wear a tutu and sing ‘I’m a Little Teapot’ at the rehearsal dinner.”

She holds his gaze for several seconds. “Promise?”

He extends a pinky and hooks it with hers. “Promise.”

“Court might’ve conveniently forgotten about that conversation,” Rhett says when the screen goes black, “but Gianna didn’t.”

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