Page 83 of Play to Win

I blink.“This would be a lovely location for a wedding.”

“Yes!”She beams.“Matthew and I were thinking that we would like to give you and Théo another wedding.Since none of us were there when you tied the string.”

“The knot,” I say automatically, my mind emptying.What?

“Oui.Yes.Tied the knot.”

“I, uh, I don’t know ...”

“I’m sure Théo will agree,” she rushes on.“Men don’t care as much about things like that, so I wanted to talk to you first.It would be such a pleasure to have a wedding here for you, and for the whole family.Weddings bring people together.”

I slowly move my head side to side.“I don’t think a wedding is going to fix all the problems in your family.”

Her bottom lip pushes out briefly and she drops her eyes.“You are probably right.”She sighs.“This family is very ...messed up.”

I huff out a laugh.“Um, yeah.”

“But still ...think!Wouldn’t you love to have a beautiful dress and flowers?All the people you love around you?”

I sadly reflect on the fact that I don’t have that many people I love to surround myself with.Chris and I are on the outs.I have one best friend back in Vegas, a good friend in Miami I haven’t seen in years, and a few other girlfriends I see from time to time.But that’s about it.

Wait, wait, wait.This is ridiculous.Théo and I aren’t going to stay married.This would be a huge waste of time and money.In fact, I’ll be back in Vegas before it could even be organized.

A rock settles in my gut.I study Aline’s hopeful face.What the hell am I going to tell her?

18

LACEY

“Well, hello.”

I look up and see Everly Wynn standing next to our table.As at the party on Saturday, she’s polished and elegant, her hair in stylish layers, wearing a sleek sleeveless dress in a gorgeous coral color and nude pumps.

“Hi!”My exuberant greeting startles her.I’m just so happy at the interruption and not having to answer Aline right now.“So nice to see you!How are you?”

“I’m well, thanks.”She looks at Aline, who smiles.

“Are you here for lunch too?”Aline asks.

“Yes.I was supposed to meet a client, but he just texted me he can’t make it after all.”

“Oh, you should join us!”I pipe up.

Aline’s smile doesn’t falter, although I sense the wariness between the two women.Not dislike or even awkwardness, just guardedness.“Of course!”

Everly hesitates, then hitches one shoulder.“Okay.”

Immediately one of the café staff appears with a chair for her and she sits.

“Well, this is nice,” I chirp, guzzling my prosecco.“I get to see both of you.”

The waiter refills my glass instantly.

“Who were you meeting with?”Aline asks Everly.

“Dan Diaz.”She says to me, “The mayor of Santa Monica.”

“Oh.Wow.”

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