Page 67 of Flame
She narrows her eyes but smiles, too. “Do you want to get married one day? For real?”
I hum, looking at the ceiling and pondering that question. It’s not an easy question to answer.
I’ve purposely avoided relationships that I thought could develop into something serious, mostly because I didn’t want to go through the drama of having it end. Women,people, annoy me. I dislike most of them. That’s not a great character trait, but at least I’m honest with myself. I get a negative vibe from most of the people I meet—something that tells me they have a vein of dishonesty or laziness or disloyalty. I can’t override my gut instinct. I spent too many years relying on it.
Would I have felt differently had I been with the right woman? If I’d been with a woman who made me laugh, who challenged me, who kept me on my toes? Someone intelligent, and brave, and beautiful … would I have considered a path to marriage?
Would I have considered a real marriage if it had been with Bianca Brewer?
My chest tightens as I turn my attention to her again. I don’t want to answer her inquiry.
“I think we need to start watching our language,” I say, satisfied with the detour. “We are getting married, and for all anyone knows, it’s a forever kind of thing. We need to practice speaking to each other like we’re, you know … in love.”
Suddenly, I’m less satisfied with the detour.
My lungs constrict so hard they burn.Like we’re in love? Carmichael, come on.
A chime rings through the room, alerting me to a message in the group family text. I generally silence my notifications as soon as I hear that noise. But today, I appreciate the distraction.
Maddox: Ashley and I ran over to Breakwater. Do you want me to pop into the jewelry store and send you pictures of rings, Foxx? I’m just sitting in the car while Ashley is in the store next door.
I read the message three times.
I’m not quite sure how to interact in this dynamic.
Me: Yes.
Me: Thanks.
Maddox: I’ll go in now. Do you have anything in mind?
I glance quickly at Bianca.
The first word that comes to mind issexy, but I don’t think there’s a category for that in rings. The next thought I have isclass. And although she does have a ton of money and a personal assistant at her beck and call, she’s not pretentious.
Me: Something simple yet classy. Nothing flashy.
Maddox: Got it. Gimme a few.
Jess: Okay, honeymoon is booked. Silver Springs tomorrow night with a Wednesday check-out because you asked for just a couple of nights. You can extend it if you want. Just let me know.
What?
“What’s wrong?” Bianca asks, studying me.
“Nothing. Hang on.”
Me: What do you mean it’s booked?
Jess: We all went in and paid for it. It’s our wedding gift to you.
Me: I don’t even know when the wedding is.
Jess: It’s tomorrow. Mom was finalizing details.
Oh.
Excitement creeps up my spine.
