Page 23 of Impending Consent

Rival: If you need me to help you move your things, let me know what time and I’ll be there.

He hadn’t changed his mind.

“Hey, Sail.”

Skylar walked into my office carrying take out bags. She and TJ had been somewhat normal but the occasional disappointed looks they offered and the way they were providing space were reminders that neither were happy with me.

“Hey, you brought me dinner?”

“Nope…” She smiled smugly and I frowned so she added, “Your husband did.”

“My…”

Rival. Right.

“He’s here?”

“No, you can relax. He had it delivered, along with a message for you to check your texts.”

I cringed internally. Most days I left my phone in my purse or in my desk to avoid the reminder of him. Another reason why his texts had gone unanswered.

Instead of doing as he asked, I grabbed the bag and began digging through the contents.

“That’s your favorite.” Sky grinned with a curious stare.

“Don’t,” I warned, peeling open the lid. As stubborn as I was, my impending hunger wouldn’t allow me to deny myself and this was my favorite.

“Don’t do what?”

“That silent scrutinizing.”

She laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’m not silently scrutinizing you, Sail.”

“Yes you are.”

“If you feel that way, then maybe evaluate your own emotions, but I am curious to know how your husband knows so much about you and you’ve been avoiding him like the plague.”

“I have not.”

“All week you’ve been working until well after nine. You’re usually glued to your cellphone and I can’t honestly say I’ve seen it in your hand once today. And instead of you moving in with him right now, like you’re supposed to be doing, you’re here, at the office, eating dinner he sent to you.”

“I have work to do,” I mumbled through a mouth full of food.

“Mmhmm.”

“See, silent scrutiny.”

Skylar smiled. “Why are you so averse to the idea of being married to Rival? He seems like a pretty decent guy.”

“You don’t know him,” I shot back.

“Then let me know him. We can do dinner or something.”

“Nope.”

“Nope, that’s your answer?”

“Yes, that’s my answer. This isn’t real. There’s no point in you getting to know him.”

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