Page 23 of Hate the One You're With
Caleb: My timing?
Emmersyn: You’ll be here next week.
Caleb: In Boston.
Emmersyn: It’s all the same. Marry me.
Caleb: Excuse me?
Emmersyn: I need you to marry me.
Caleb: Okay . . . just like that, let’s get married.
Emmersyn: Yes. It will solve a lot of problems and will help your family.
Caleb: How is that helping my family?
Emmersyn: I’ll pay you.
Caleb: You want to pay me to get married.
Emmersyn: Yes, please, just say I do. You don’t have to do much, just sign a paper and pretend for a few years that we’re together.
Caleb: And when do I get this payment? How does this benefit you . . . I’m fucking confused, Em. Help me understand before Ithink you’re certifiable.
Emmersyn: You’ll get the money probably a week after we sign, most likely before. Marriage is a way for me to access my trust fund. That should pay for my tuition and your father’s medical bills. Maybe even the mortgages.
Caleb: If I agree, my parents would be able to sell the house and move to North Carolina.
Emmersyn: See, it’s a win-win situation.
Caleb: Can I think about it?
Emmersyn: Yes, but please help me. I swear I’ll make it worth your while.
Chapter Fifteen
Caleb: So how long do you need us to stay married?
Emmersyn: Ugh . . . are you aware that it’s three in the morning my time?
Caleb: Midnight here, sorry. I just had questions and I of course forgot the time difference.
Emmersyn: I don’t know how long, maybe a few years? According to the trust, I get access to it if I’m twenty-five or get married—whatever happensfirst.
Caleb: That’s shitty.
Emmersyn: Tell me about it. I really don’t want to get married, but I don’t have that many options, do I?
Caleb: Move to San Diego. You can work here, save enough to attend college—maybe take some classes at the community college.
Emmersyn: I already thought about skipping college or working my way around. But that’s not the only expense I have to pay. The rest is more important—many people depend on it. Help me, please.
Caleb: So we stay together for at least seven years?
Emmersyn: Yes, but I promise to be a good wife.
Caleb: What does that even mean?
