Page 73 of Marrying Off My Husband

“Happy to help,” Eve said with a grin.

We settled Louise in bed again, spending time together talking and laughing as we waited for her to be cleared for release.

I smiled at the developing relationship between Louise and Eve, happy Lou had found a friend who seemed to genuinely care about her. Most people used her or mistreated her, but Eve had her best interests at heart.

The fact made me sadder than I’d been before. I was using this wonderful woman. More than that, I felt as though we’d connected–at least, on my end we had. And I’d already ruined any chance at a relationship with her by our agreement to fake date.

In true Spencer style, I had pre-ruined my entire life because of my own fear to open up to people. And I couldn’t be more sorry for that. I didn’t know how things would turn out, but I barely had a desire to find out.

A hollowness filled me as the two women laughed loudly. I forced a smile, but my heavy heart thudded dully, sinking with dread.

CHAPTER 18

LOUISE

Ishifted uncomfortably as I peered through my oversized sunglasses, sitting with two iced coffees all alone outside of the bakery I loved.

The brown paper bag fluttered in the light Newport breeze, the contents a peace offering of sorts.

A shiver shook me, the seaside breeze cooler than it had been in Savannah. Although, it was more the recollection of what had happened there, how my mama had tried to ruin my life that made me tremble.

I chewed my lower lip, staring at the empty seat across from me. Worse than that, what had happened with Eve haunted me.

We’d had a good conversation in the hospital, but I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d ruined things with Eve. She may have come to my rescue, but I worried.

I didn’t have many friends–okay, I didn’t have any friends. They all thought I was as crazy as my mother claimed.

Memories of past friendships dissolved by misunderstandings haunted me. One had walked away when I’d planned an overly extravagant birthday surprise that overwhelmed her. Another had left when I’d broken down in tears about my mama’s treatment of me.

Each memory pinched my heart, reminding me of the thin ice on which my friendships always skated.

The empty chair across from me mocked me, taunting me with the idea that I had just lost another.

Eve had been quiet after our return, stating she needed to catch up on work, but I’d sensed something holding her back.

I’d invited her for a painting class today, lunch, some shopping, and then a quiet dinner at home. She told me she’d meet me at the bakery when I’d suggested picking her up at her apartment.

The words chilled me. Plenty of people had blown me off this way before. I knew what was coming. I was losing my best friend.

I pressed my lips together as tears welled in my eyes. A glance at my watch showed me that it was two minutes after our meeting time.

Eve was always prompt. Her being late was a sure sign she wasn’t coming. My gut tensed as my heart sank.

I waited another few minutes before I forced myself to face the facts. Eve was ditching me.

As I rose, I wondered if I’d also ruined things between her and Spencer. I hoped not, but I probably had.

With a sigh, I wrapped my hands around the condensation-clad cups and grabbed the bag with my pinky. I crossed to the trash can, my hand hovering over it, ready to release Eve’s drink.

Before I let go, a voice called to me. My heart lifted as I recognized Eve’s call. “Louise! Louise!”

I snapped my gaze in the direction of her face, a grin spreading across mine as I spotted her hurrying toward me.

She shook her head, puffing for breath, her eyes rolling behind those heart-shaped sunglasses I’d insisted she buy. “I’m so sorry. My sister…I couldn’t get away. Sorry, I’m late.”

I thrust her coffee toward her. “I’m just glad you made it. I bought pastries, but we’ll have to eat them on the run.”

“No problem, I can do that. I’m sorry.”

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