Page 83 of Dirty Husband
Is it as simple as a little blackmail? Nick taking away the one thing Shep loves?
Or maybe it has something to do with this arrangement.
No… Nick isn't the type. He's a straightforward, no-nonsense guy. Except for the whole sleeping with an intern ten years his junior thing, he's obsessed with propriety.
I rack my brain for some explanation that will tie these things together—Nick convincing Shep to get sober and Shep paying me to marry him—but there's only one thing.
Me.
I wouldn't do this if he was drinking. He must know that.
But it's been a year. There's no way he waited all that time.
"Jasmine?" Dad makes thatmm-hmmnoise again. "There's something you're not saying."
"Nothing important."
"I know I'm old—"
"You're not old." He's not even fifty.
"But I still remember things. And I remember your fiancé." His intent is clear.He was always drinking. Always drunk. Even when the situation didn't call for it.
I can't exactly deny it. But I can change the subject. "This isn't helping me pick out a dress."
He doesn't bite. "It will be your family soon. It will be your problem too."
Maybe. But I'm really not getting in the middle.
I pull out my cell to text Shep.
To say… something. I'm not sure if I actually want Lizzy's help, but I do want to know what he'll say.
Is he still furious?
Because he thinks Nick fucked me? Or because of rehab? Or something else, something I don't see.
There's already a message from Shep.
Shep: I just got word from a colleague. We need to have our engagement party on Saturday. Is that a problem?
Jasmine: No.
Shep: Good.
Jasmine: I was going to ask Lizzy for her advice on a dress.
Shep: You're in touch?
Jasmine: On and off.
That's an exaggeration. But I know the sassy programmer. She'll be jazzed to see me. And even more excited to offer fashion advice.
She defies that wholenerds only wear jeans and graphic teesstereotype.
Shep: Just Lizzy?
Jasmine: Who else?
