Page 15 of Mad Love

7

Blaise

The wedding happened quickly. The flight to Montana didn’t. It had something to do with notifying the private airports of our departure and arrival times and getting their authorization.

Waiting in the airport’s lobby, Maddox and I manifest in different ways our restlessness in getting this business of mine over with.

He paces, growling whenever Granger shoots him a scowl or when Collins gives him a once-over. His tie is askew and his hair sticks up on end from him jamming his fingers through the strands. I play with my hair too. Rub my palms. Interlace my fingers. Am reminded that I am married now. The ring slipped over my glove shines bright against the white satin.

Finally, we get the okay to board.

On the flight, Maddox and I spoke little to each other. I don’t make small talk well so I let him stew in whatever questions are looping in his mind. The air between us is so awkward, I start to apologize for what happened when we exchanged rings. But our flight lands and I lose my chance of putting us on better footing when Maddox leaves his seat and rushes by me to get to the plane’s door.

At my Montana estate, Maddox, Granger, and Collins follow me from one master bedroom to the next. There are four total. Each bedroom has a huge walk-in closet that could’ve been a bedroom on its own, they’re that huge.

Inside the last closet, Maddox sweeps his gaze over the room. He shakes his head. Clenches his jaw. I wait for the other shoe to drop.

“You’re shitting me right? All these clothes are yours?” He shoves his fingers through his hair.

“Yes,” I say, above a whisper, seeing me in his eyes. I am a spoiled brat who uses her trauma as an excuse to not do a thing but spend money on fancy clothes, an entourage of beef cakes for bodyguards, and a party house in the middle of nowhere. His words from the party.

“We can’t take them all, Blaise. Get rid of them.”

“Now wait a minute, Maddox. These are Blaise’s belongs, and she has a right to bring them with her.”

“I don’t have the fucking room in my two-bedroom suite, and no way in hell does she need four closets’ worth of clothes and shoes.”

“These pieces are—”

I hold up my hand. “It’s okay, Granger.”

It’s time I let go of the past. After my parents’ deaths in a plane crash when I was thirteen, I kept my mother’s clothes and shoes for sentimental value. She loved playing dress-up for me. It’s how my fascination with clothing and the fit of them on a person came to be.

“Collins, please have the entire collection donated.”

“Blaise, there’s got to be at least a million dollars’ worth here.”

Collins would know. She has an eye for fashion and a nose for money.

“My mother would prefer I give her clothes to charity rather than make money off her collection.”

“These are your mom’s? Fuck. I’m sorry, Blaise. Keep them. I’ll buy a house special for them.”

“Thank you, but the stipulation of the proposal is clear. I come into the marriage with what I have and leave with what I have.”

“It’ll be a gift.”

“Again, thank you, but it’s time I part with my mother’s belongings.”

First, my parents’ sports car, and now, my mom’s clothes. What’s next? I glance at my gloves. I’m not ready to lose these pieces of armor.

“We’ll stay and make certain everything is donated to charity.” Collins puts in her Bluetooth earbuds and starts making phone calls.

“I’ll let the airfield know you and Maddox are ready to depart.”

“Thank you, Granger. You too, Collins.” I express my gratitude before she makes another phone call to a different charity.

“You’re giving away everything?”

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