Page 51 of Rook

“We are.”

“Why?”

“Why?” I asked, not having expected that question.

“Yes, why?”

“Because… we love each other?”

Nancy waved a hand at that, seeming to dismiss the whole idea of love.

“Relationships need more than love. Love fades.”

I wasn’t exactly a romantic, but even I thought that was some sad thinking.

“Well, we also… like each other.”

“You barely know each other.”

“We’re living together.”

“For, what, two weeks?”

Had it been that long since she’d dropped in? That was… odd. Was that the Tessa effect? Because Nancy liked her more than me, she left us alone more?

I almost felt bad for the poor sack who was getting more of her attention now that I wasn’t taking so much of it up.

“I think it’s one of those things.”

“What things?”

“When you know, you know.”

I swear she actually rolled her eyes at that.

“Well, I am going to do a little search. Sit where I can see you.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She went to the bedroom first, and I was a little sad that I hadn’t gotten a chance to screw with her and put fake used condoms in the bin next to the bed.

Instead, all she would find in there were the wrappers to the fruit snacks that Tessa popped like a little addict. I swear she went through a box every two days.

Luckily, though, Tessa was dedicated to the bit. She kept bridal magazines next to her bed. She’d even gotten a little flyer from the closest florist that she’d marked up with her favorite bouquets.

Hell, she even made sure she put a fresh, half-empty glass of water on the opposite nightstand each evening, just in case Nancy dropped by.

Nancy was still digging around in the closet when Tessa came bustling in. Gone was the long-sleeve tee she had on when she’d left that morning. In its place was a black tank top. Her hair, which had been down, was pulled back and wet at the root.

“Sorry I’m so late. I was trying to work off those fruit snacks on the treadmill. What is—oh,” she said, trailing off as if she was noticing Nancy for the first time. “Hey, Mrs. Bird,” she called, all easy smiles, making me painfully aware that I hadn’t seen a smile even close to that in two weeks.

“You don’t need to work anything off,” I said, walking over and wrapping my arms around her. “Love your body just as it is,” I added, letting my hands sneak to the top of her ass as I pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

“Stop!” she said, whacking my chest playfully. “I’m all sweaty. And, yes, I do. I have to try on wedding dresses soon. Did you hear the good news?” she asked, turning a sunshine-bright smile to Nancy, then thrusting out her hand to show off the ring.

Nancy’s curled lip moved from us to Tessa’s hand.

“It’s like he snatched my dream ring right out of my head. Without me ever having to tell him. He’s so intuitive.”

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