Page 91 of Wild Love

Marigold: You have to stay strong too, Chance.

Chance: I will.

Marigold: Both of you better have your game faces on tomorrow night. We love Scarlett. And this is what's best for her.

Eli: It's all tough love coming from me.

Chance: Me too.

Marigold: Good. Keep it that way.

I clicked out of our joint chat and sent Chance a private message.

Eli: Who knew Marigold was such a slave driver?

Chance: She's determined when she has a cause.

Eli: At least she's giving you more shit than me.

Chance: How do you figure?

Eli: She keeps saying how you don't know her at all. She's obviously irritated with you.

Chance: You're the one who's got to keep it together tomorrow.

Eli: I've got this. Scarlett was just in my condo, and I didn't touch her.

Chance: You know you're talking to me about my sister, right?

I ran a hand through my hair.

Eli: Sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Chance: When this is all over...

Eli: I'm not sure it's going to work out in my favor.

Chance: I hope you're wrong. It kills my parents when she's gone.

Eli: I'll do my best.

Chance: I don't like you dating my sister, but if you're the reason she stays…I'll forgive you…eventually.

I barked out a laugh.

Eli: So gracious.

Chance: Get your beauty sleep. You're going to need it.

I threw my phone on the cushion next to me. I slunk down until my head was resting against the back of the couch. Was I doing the right thing?

I didn't feel right about letting Scarlett walk out of here thinking I was okay with moving on without her. Because I wasn't. I hated the idea.

But I trusted that Marigold was onto something. This had to work. A life without Scarlett was inconceivable.

My phone flashed with an incoming message.

Marigold: Bring your A-game tomorrow.