Page 83 of Operation Annulment
He hands me an envelope. “You’ve been served.”
I stare down in shock at the papers in my hand. I’ve never been on the receiving end of one of these before, and I sure as fuck don’t like the feeling.
Okay, grand gesture time.
Think, Nate.
Something that will win her over and get her to rethink our marriage.
My phone chimes.
Garrett: Did you come up with a plan yet?
Nate: You know me. I’m more of an off-the-cuff kind of guy. I’ll think of something.
Nate: Also, she may have had me served.
Garrett: Shit. You better come up with something spectacular then; otherwise, you missed out on snowboarding for nothing.
I clench my teeth. The fucker seems to have forgotten that this whole thing was his idea.
Nate: Thanks for the tip, dickhead.
I throw the envelope on the kitchen island and stalk to my car. Kate’s Christmas party is at an upscale hotel near campus. I arrive within five minutes, and I still have no idea how to get her back.
I leave my car with the valet and slip on my tuxedo jacket. The lobby is littered with people, but I don’t see her anywhere.
A hotel employee directs me into a crowded ballroom and I find the inspiration I need. The DJ booth is set up on a small stage near the front of the room.
My pulse picks up, and I start grinning.
I’ve got just the plan to win her back.
But first, whiskey… lots and lots of whiskey.
thirty-two
COMMANDMENT #33: THOU SHALT READ THE ROOM
Kate
I’m not sure who decided that cramming a bunch of therapists into one room was a good idea. We specialize in psychoanalyzing—it’s a recipe for disaster.
Hit the bar too often, and you’re using unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Bring an obnoxious date, and you’re rebelling against your parents due to unresolved conflict from your childhood.
Hit on another co-worker, and you’re probably sexually repressed.
Thank god for Nicole, or I would have already made up an excuse to sneak out.
“So, did I miss anything?”
I turn to her. “Nothing. I was actually thinking of grabbing a glass of champagne just to cause some drama and liven this evening up.”
The music cuts off only to be replaced by?—
“Is that Foreigner? It is, isn’t it?” Nicole’s brow wrinkles in confusion.
