Page 98 of Hockey Boy

I fold my lips in, doing everything I can not to burst at the seams. No, we can’t find an elephant that doesn’t poop. “That might be why the mansions brought in statues instead.”

“Yes, right. Do you think we should do the statues?”

According to the website, they’re traveling across America this year. It’s an art exhibit. I doubt it’ll be as easy as requesting them, but I can figure out how to let her down once we’re off the phone and I have some time to think about what I can offer instead. “Let me look into it, and I’ll get back to you this afternoon.”

As soon as the bride disconnects, I let out the loudest sigh. “Elephants? Seriously?”

Serena purses her lips, fighting a smile. “Not every event is as glamorous as a child’s birthday party.”

I cough out a laugh. “Yeah, I guess not. What should I do?”

My boss stands up and shrugs. “Horses?”

“Horses poop.” I shake my head. “No animals. Even the puffins pooped on the pastor at the Langfield wedding.”

Both women are chuckling as they head for the door. At the threshold, Serena turns and winks at me. “You’ll come up with something spectacular. I have faith in you.”

At least one of us does.

My instinct is to call Aiden, so I pick up my phone and start to pull up his number. He’ll help me come up with something great.

Before I can tap on his contact icon, it occurs to me that I shouldn’t be bothering him with this. He’s traveling for the preseason, and to be honest, I’m not even sure which city he’s in today. I’m trying to be a big girl, reminding myself that while yes, we are friends who fuck, and I’m really, really enjoying that part of our relationship, I shouldn’t be this attached.

Obviously, the sex is blurring the lines. And his swooniness. He’s just so damn adorable. And nice. Every night since he’s moved in, he gives me another pink peony.

Does he have a stash of them hidden in a fridge somewhere?

Is he growing them on the roof?

Who the hell knows. But even while traveling, he somehow manages to have one delivered daily.

What will happen when that stops? When we get married, and the lawyer turns over the family trust, and we can divorce and move on from this insanity. Will we stop fooling around? Stop kissing? Stop…everything?

Yes.

Obviously, that’s what’s going to happen.

I’ll move out, and he’ll keep the apartment. We’ll remain friends, but it’s not like I can date my ex-husband, so…

Yeah, we’ll be…over.

My chest tightens, and I rub at the ache I can’t ignore.

Thinking about the future is a bad idea. I can’t change any of it, but I can come up with a plan for this wedding. I drop my phone and settle back into my chair. I’ve got a lot of work to do and a lunch date with my mother in—I glance at the clock. Shit, I’m already late. As I’m scrambling, my phone vibrates.

Mom: Can’t wait to see you! Just finishing up a round of tennis with Tacky, so I’ll meet you at the bar.

Awesome. Sounds like I may make it on time after all. I grab my things and hustle toward the door. I’m slightly overwhelmed, but for the moment, I’m feeling upbeat. Right now, my personal life and my professional life are going well. They’re both sources of pride. Even if my relationship is fake. Also, if anyone can think of over-the-top displays of events for a wedding, it’s my mother.

I sit beside my mother and try not to squirm. Across from us is her friend Tacky and Tacky’s son Harvey. For the past five minutes, Tacky has been droning on about Harvey’s latest acquisition. To be fair, he seems about as interested in this obvious setup as I am. The blond tech trader has checked his phone no less than ten times, and we’ve only just placed our lunch order.

While my mother’s meddling is nothing new, this time feels especially devastating. For once, I was actually looking forward to having lunch with her. I was looking forward to spending time with her.

I should have known better.

Short of marrying someone who helps my parents’ social status, nothing I do will ever make them proud.

I’ll never be enough for this woman as I am, and I’m tired of continuously trying to please her.

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