Page 10 of Don’t Fall For A Bodyguard

“Let’s get checked out,” I said to Payton. “And then we have returns to make.”

If we could get the damn rings off.

Payton nudge me with his elbow. “What were you and Regan talking about earlier?”

I paused. “She gave me a few more days off to, you know, get this situation sorted. Not that I can do much. But at least Van got me in touch with Elias.”

“Email him and whatever the retainer, I’ll pay my half.”

“Now, Payton—” I started.

“I insist. It’s only fair.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

We headed for the elevator and made our way back to Payton’s room. Both of us were oddly quiet. It didn’t feel like the morning after a wedding should feel.

Duh.It wasn’t a real wedding.

I pulled out my phone and sent an email to Elias, detailing the joint request for the divorce. Then I tapped my banking app and pulled up my credit card statement. Sure enough, I purchased both our wedding rings from Dazzle late last night. The bill? 15K. Holy fuck.

I googled their location, saved it, and then I escorted Payton to his room.

“I’m gonna head up to my room and pack,” I said to Payton. “Meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes? Then we can visit the jewelry store. Oh, and I need your flight details.”

“Why?”

“I was supposed to be leaving with the band today, but given my change in plans, I might as well join you.”

“Okay.” He nodded in response. “Don’t forget to call your mom back. You don’t want her worrying.”

“She’s not worried,” I replied with a sigh. “She’s ready to kick my ass.”

Payton’s face fell. “That bad?”

“I come from a big Italian family. Weddings are a huge deal.”

“I’m sorry, I?—”

I shook my head and reached for his hand. “Nothing to be sorry about. It was a mistake, but I’m as much to blame. Anyway, it’s done. She’ll get over it. In about twenty or thirty years.”

Payton chuckled and seeing him smile again had that fluttery feeling in my gut roaring to life.

“See you in a bit.”

I waited until Payton was safely in his room, then headed for the elevator. By the time I got to my room, I had a dozen more messages from family and friends. Ignoring my phone, I packed up my bag, checked the room one last time, and headed back down to the lobby.

While I was waiting for Payton, I called my mother. I took a deep breath—several—and waited for her to answer. She finally picked up on the third ring.

“Leonardo Andrea Rizzoli, what have you done?”

Her voice was so loud I held the phone away from my ear. I tappedSpeakerand lowered the volume as much as I could.

“Hi, Ma.”

“That’s it?” she yelled. “My only son gets married without telling me and all you can say is ‘hi, Ma’?!”

It didn’t matter that I was thirty-two, an ex-army sergeant, and a black belt in taekwondo. When my mom yelled at me, I was done for.

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