Page 61 of Marrying Off My Husband

I raced to my bed and threw myself on it as tears flowed. Every encounter with my mama was bitter, and each one left me in tears, hoping to race as far away from her as possible.

She knew exactly how to needle at all my fears. She’d insulted by belt, my husband, and my best friend, reminding me that I ruin relationships.

And she was likely right. I’d drive away Eve just like I’d driven away every other friend I’d ever had. I smothered them or drove them crazy with my own insane brand of friendship.

As I sniffled, a knock sounded at my door. I sucked in a sharp breath, twisting toward it. If it was my mother…

“Lou?” Eve’s sweet voice called through the door. “Are you okay?”

My heart melted as I realized what a good friend she was before it broke as I recognized I would likely lose her just as my mama predicted. “You’re so sweet to check on me sugar. I’m fine.”

I held my breath, waiting for her footsteps to disappear down the hallway. “Can I come in?”

I squeezed my eyes closed, biting my lower lip. I didn’t want her to see me like this.

The door handle jiggled. “Louise?”

With a shaky inhale, I climbed from my bed and crossed to the door, unlocking it and pulling it open.

Her lips parted as she spotted me, her forehead creasing. “Oh, Lou.”

The words brought fresh tears to my eyes. I waved my hand in front of my face, trying to stop them from falling to my cheeks.

I failed, and Eve stepped inside, closing the door behind her before she pulled me into a hug. “I’m so glad I came with you,” she said.

“Oh, darlin’,” I sobbed, hugging her tight. “So am I.”

She pulled back, giving me a consoling smile. “Do you want to talk about it or just sit here together?”

“I want to apologize.”

“For?” Eve asked.

“First, for my mama. And second for me.” The second statement made me sob uncontrollably again.

She took my hand and led me to the bed, easing us both onto the edge. “Lou, there’s nothing you need to apologize for.”

“I do,” I answered. “I not only exposed you to that vile woman, but to me. I’m a mess. I’m always a mess. I’m a bad friend.”

“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “No, you’re not. Lou, you’re a good friend. You take me out everywhere, you buy me all these clothes. And look at what you’re doing for Spencer. You want to make sure he’s happy.”

I swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat. “But I’m…overbearing, and bossy, and I get to be too much. I drive people away.”

She patted my hand before she squeezed it. “You do not. You’re…sassy and opinionated. You’re just you, and that’s okay.”

No one had ever said anything so nice to me. I flung my arms around her and squeezed until I thought I might have hurt her.

She pulled back, grabbed a tissue from the box on my nightstand and passed it to me. “Let’s just get through this weekend and head back to Newport. I think you’ll feel better then.”

I smiled and nodded as I wiped at my cheeks. I hoped we’d make it back to Newport. Right now, it felt like that would never happen, at least not without tragedy.

I didn’t trust my mother, and I feared for what might happen over the weekend.

“See you at dinner,” she said as she rose. “And don’t worry, I’ll wear the pink you suggested. It’s a great choice.”

She grinned at me before she left me behind.

I blew out a shaky breath before I crossed to my vanity. “Ugh,” I groaned as I looked in the mirror.

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