Page 377 of The First Time
I drink half my gin and tonic in a single sip.
Meryl studies me the way Blake does, picking apart my intentions.
I'm not sure I can keep up my poker face. Between Stanford being official and our wedding in two weeks and Meryl coughing…
It's too much.
A loud hello interrupts my train of thought.
Fiona steps into the room. Alone.
We go through a round of introductions then she sits next to Blake. "You okay, Mom?"
"Fine. Stop asking," she says.
But Meryl doesn't look fine. Her skin has a slight yellow sheen. She's sweating. Her smile is strained. Her voice is shaky.
"Are you sure?" Fiona asks.
"I'd like to have one dinner that isn't about my condition. We're celebrating your brother's wedding."
"Of course." Fiona taps my shoulder. "I'm going to use the restroom. Join me, Kat?"
She isn't really asking.
But what could she possibly have to say with me?
She already offered me a small fortune in go-away money.
I look to Blake for a clue.
He nodsgo with her.
He knows his sister better than I do.
"Yes." I push out of my chair. "I need to fix my lipstick."
I follow Fiona to the restroom. It's quiet. Empty.
And beautiful. How can a bathroom be this beautiful? It defies logic.
She stares back at me. "I take it you're going through with the wedding?"
"Yes."
"I guess that's your decision." She looks to the mirror and adjusts her hair. "I have to admit, I admire it."
"Huh?"
"Your prenup. You only get a million dollars if you divorce."
Onlya million dollars. What's wrong with these people?
She looks to me. "The offer stands. I know a hundred grand is a lot less than a million dollars, but it's a lot faster."
"I don't want money."
She looks me in the eyes. "I believe you."
