Page 18 of Impending Consent

“That’s not what I meant but I’m glad you’re fully taking responsibility for how insane this marriage situation is and how it could affect all of us. I’m more concerned about you.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you? Your actions don’t scream fine. Your actions appear to be a cry for help.”

I scoffed. “I married someone. I didn’t threaten to do anything dangerous or harmful to myself.”

Skylar stiffened. “That’s nothing to play with, Sail.”

“Sorry, I know. I’m just making a point. It’s not that serious.”

“You wanted to have sex with him. He told you no so you manipulated the situation to get him to agree. It’s that serious, Sail.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that I manipulated him? He’s a grown ass man.”

“Because you did.”

“He agreed. I didn’t force his hand. He wanted a wife; I became his wife.”

“Just to have sex. Doesn’t that register as a little drastic? You have sex with plenty of men. Why not just pick another guy? Why go so far for this one?”

I was still trying to figure that out. Maybe it was the way he looked at me with those reassuring eyes that made me feel like my biggest flaws didn’t matter or maybe it was because I was exhausted with the way I’d been living my life. I didn’t necessarily know if a husband was the answer but something had to give. Regardless, I wouldn’t admit that to my sister.

“I was drinking, Sky. A lot, which you already know.”

She nodded with stern eyes. “You were but I know you. Even completely shitfaced, you are still very functional. I’ve seen you down bottles of tequila and flawlessly recite The Bill of Rights in order better than most practiced attorneys. You knew what you were doing at that moment, whether or not you remembered the details later. Based on what I know, everything about what you did screams intentional, Sail. Was it?”

“No, Sky, it wasn’t.”

She nodded again but I could sense she didn’t believe me. I didn’t believe me. “Can I ask you a few questions?”

“You can ask whatever you want.”

“Do you promise to be completely honest?”

“Of course.” I squared my shoulders to prepare and she fired off the first one.

“On paper, Rival is a good guy. You did all the research before you let him work in your home, but what does your gut tell you about him?”

My expression dropped and she added, “Is he a good guy? Do you trust him?”

I opened my mouth but she quickly stated before I was able to get a word in, “You promised to be honest.”

I did and I couldn’t lie to my sister’s face.

“Yes, he’s a good guy and I trust him, but that doesn’t mean I want to be married to the man.”

“You feel safe in his presence, like he will not do you any harm?”

“No, he’s not going to hurt me.”

Physically, at least.

“Then I’m going to offer my advice, even though you didn’t ask and clearly don’t want it. Give him the year he’s asking for. Stay married on paper. You don’t have to be his wife in a literal sense but as your sister and a very accomplished attorney, I advise that you see this through. Staying married is the lesser of two evils and you know what one of those evils is…”

Her eyes met mine.Torrance Addison Sr.

“You’ve already been struggling with disappointing him by leaving the practice. Dad is Dad. As much as he loves us, he will have a huge issue with this situation. I don’t want that on your spirit, Sail. Play house. How bad can it be?”

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