Page 35 of Never the Bride
“It’s probably nothing, but Friday night after the engagement party, Shanna discovered our text exchange, and she had some questions about our relationship.”
Her gaze narrows. “What kinds of questions?”
“Well, obviously, she wanted to know why we were talking about being married and getting a divorce.”
“You didn’t tell her the truth, right?” I grimace, showcasing my guilt. “Hess, please tell me you made up some lie about how we used to date or something.”
“I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. We only have six months left on the contract, and Shanna wants to marry me. I couldn’t keep her in the dark forever.”
“Yes, you could. You signed a confidentiality clause that you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“We don’t even know if my telling Shanna is the reason for them challenging the marriage.”
“Oh, so you think it’s just a coincidence that days after you told her, everything blows up in our face?”
“It could be a coincidence.”
“No, Hess. It’s not. She must’ve somehow found out who my father is and told him the marriage is a lie.”
I frown, thinking back over our conversation.
Camila tilts her head, accusation taking over her expression. “Unless you freely gave Shanna that information.”
“I might’ve mentioned that your dad lives in Scottsdale and owns an airline.”
“Geez, Hess!” She slaps the table in frustration, rattling my plate of waffles. “Why not just tell her his name? While you're at it, throw in my social security number.”
“No, that would be going too far,” I joke.
“Is this funny to you? Because it’s not to me.”
“Don’t act like you’re the only one this is affecting. I’m financially liable too. Plus, I may have just lost my girlfriend over this.”
“If you did, it’s your fault.”
“My fault? I’m not the one who sent a bunch of flirty texts, blatantly talking about our big secret.”
She blinks a few times, like she’s processing what I just said. “Nothing about my texts was flirty. If anything, you’re the one who mentioned the black lingerie.”
Yes, that may have been me.
“Well, it doesn’t matter.” I wave our argument away. “Because you’re going to win, right?”
“Right.” A flash of insecurity drifts through her eyes before she masks it and sits up taller. “I’m going to win.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
We stare at each other for a few more seconds before I stab the waffle in front of me and take a bite.
I drive straightfrom the Waffle House to Shanna’s apartment.
When she opens her door and sees me standing there, her arms fold as her eyes narrow. “I was wondering when I’d hear from you.”
“Because we’re in a relationship, or because you went behind my back, found Camila’s dad, and told him the marriage is a fraud?”
She drops her arms and walks into her kitchen, leaving the door open for me to follow. “You went behind my back first by lying to me about being married.”
