Page 24 of My Wife
“I want all the gory details. Actually, we need backup. The girl squad. I’ll text you the date and time. At the Fish Bowl.”
“I thought you hated that place.”
“Technically, it’s where Pierre and I first met. He was wearing an ugly Christmas sweater.” She lets out a blissful little sigh. “But I want to know where on earth you picked up a guy who’d walk out on your wedding day?”
I grouse, “Should I even be surprised?”
Apparently, not hearing me, Cara says, “You’re wearing your ‘Everything is fine’ face.”
“I’m coping.”
“Or in shock.”
“What else am I going to do? Wallow in my misery?”
She pounds her fists on her thighs. “Revenge, revenge, revenge.”
“The fact that he’ll have to deal with Sorsha is probably bad enough.”
“But you said she was making excuses for him.”
I gaze at my hands. “So was I.”
Cara taps the air with her forefinger. “I know, we’ll get revenge by showing him what he’s missing.”
My brow wrinkles. “Like a rebound relationship?”
“I mean more like we’ll show him that you’re thriving without him.”
I shift from foot to foot. “How about we get me out of this gown first?” Then I can forget that Rexlan Coogan ever existed. That’s the plan and I’m sticking to it.
“Did you bring a change of clothes?”
I clap my hand to my forehead. “No. I rushed out of the house, desperate to get this thing off—do you have any idea how hard it is to use the bathroom with a bustle?”
“A trumpet-style gown with a bustle.” She makes a cringing face.
“And lots and lots of tulle or is this organza?” I ask.
“It’s strangely shaggy and layered like a lizard molting.” Cara flits her hand across the fabric.
“How did I let a woman who worshipped lizards talk me into this?”
“Because I wasn’t there.”
“I’m a wreck.”
She holds up a hand. “That’s not thriving-Jess-post-jilted bride language. The solution is simple. I’ll go grab some Knights spirit wear.”
Leaving me alone in the office with only hints that someone as sweet as Cara occupies the space with its dark wood paneling, deep red wallpaper, and heavy frames filled with hockey awards, I can’t help but wonder why I always feel like I’m coming in last despite my best efforts.
Can a gal get a win?
Moreover, why didn’t I let myself see how wrong things had gone with Rexlan before I’d showed up at the end of the aisle under his mother’s marching orders?
Cara pops back into the office and waves a hoodie and leggings with the Knights logo. “Grandma Dolly will insist you wear this every day from now on.” She guards the door and helps me out of the gown while I quickly change. We keep a running dialog.
I say, “She’s very excited about the game against the Carolina Storm tonight. Congrats, by the way, on the new job.”
