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“Fine, but if he’s still there when we leave, I’m calling the police.” I nod and we resume our meals, filling the awkward silence with discussion of our move-in plans for the following week. At some point, Austin must realize he’s not going to get a rise out of us, and he slinks off into the abyss, no doubt to torment some other victim.

“So,wife,” Luca whispers a little too close to my ear, “I think we should get to know each other a little better. I mean, wearemarried now, and I don’t even know your favorite color.”

“Red,” I respond. “Yours?”

“Green. Favorite food?”

“I could never pick just one. I love pizza. And enchiladas. And Paige makes these pinwheels that are to die for. Oh, and those brown sugar bacon tater tot bombs. And lemon bars!”

Luca laughs. “Let’s start with pizza. What about toppings?”

“Hawaiian.”

“Hell yeah!” Cade shouts from across the table, reaching out for a high five. Paige makes a gagging noise and Cade pulls her in for a kiss. Their easy affection sends a spark of jealousy throughme. Austin was never into PDA. In fact, I spent the better part of three years begging him to take me on a date and he refused. Anniversaries and birthdays were all but forgotten, and I lived a pretty bleak existence. I always wanted what Paige has, but now that hope is a distant memory as I sit beside my fake husband, resolved to never fall in love again.

Chapter 7

Luca

? Baggage - Kelsea Ballerini

Sunday, August 3rd, 2:35pm

Ivy: Chocolate or vanilla

Luca: Chocolate, no contest. You?

Ivy: Yikes, vanilla.

Luca: You rebel.

Sunday, August 3rd, 6:35pm

Luca: Cats or dogs

Ivy: Both. I could never choose between my babies.

Luca: Fair enough.

Monday, August 4th, 8:35am

Ivy: What’s your favorite movie?

Luca: Twister, you?

Ivy: The Proposal

Luca: On brand. ??

Ivy: Oh shit, I didn’t even make the connection. ??

Monday, August 4th, 5:35pm

Ivy: What side of the bed do you sleep on?

Luca: Closest to the door.

Ivy: Such a gentleman.