Page 72 of The Fun Part
She snatches her hand back. “It’s the thought that counts.”
“Is this what you really want?” Cal asks. “You’ve never dated anyone besides John. Isn’t it possible there’s another guy out there who could be a better fit? Someone who’d want you to have a great job, an education.”
Sutton frowns. “There’s nothing wrong with the life I want.”
Cal runs a hand through his hair. “Mackenzie’s offering you a great opportunity.”
I jump in with my pitch. “Is it possible to have a long engagement? We’d love to have you in a bigger role. The stock options alone. Let me get my laptop, and I’ll show you the projections.”
Sutton shakes her head. “You really don’t need to do that.”
“The bonus to working with a startup,” Cal says.
“Not a guarantee, but it’s a definite possibility,” I say, backing him up.Team Cal!
Sutton looks back and forth between us. “It sounds exciting, but—”
“What if you try it out?” Cal asks. “Maybe after six months to a year in Clover Park, you can move back, get married, and work remotely.”
“Remote won’t work for this role,” I say. “But I could help John get a job in Connecticut. My family is very well connected. What does he do?”Team Sutton!
Sutton shakes her head. “He’ll never move. He works for the family business. One day he’ll be in charge. They sell and distribute rubber products.”
“Oh, have they ever offered you a job there?” I ask.
“John says it’s better if we don’t work together.”
Cal sends me an imploring look. Like I’m supposed to fix this situation. I’ve already made my pitch, and Sutton’s so caught up in marrying John—a guy who cheats on her—she’s blinded toreality. This is what’s so dangerous about the love fantasy. It can derail your entire life.
On the other hand, maybe he’s not as bad as Cal says. Maybe he cheated in the past when he was young and stupid, and he’s seen the error of his ways. After all, Sutton’s a sensible woman. She wouldn’t tie herself to an unworthy guy forever. Right?
Sutton looks to me. “I really am happy. I’ve been dreaming of my wedding since I was a little girl.”
“I’m sure you’ll make a beautiful bride.”
“Thanks! Cal, will you be the best man? John’s not on speaking terms with his brother.”
“No.”
Her jaw drops. “No? But John would be happy to have you there. I’d be happy to have you there.”
“I’ll be at the wedding. Don’t ask me to stand up for him. You know how I feel about the way he treats you.”
“That was a long time ago.”
Cal clamps his mouth shut. He doesn’t want to be the bad guy.
Sutton huffs. “If you can’t be happy for me—”
“I’m happy if you’re happy,” Cal says grimly.
Footsteps sound in the kitchen. “Sutton, honey, you made brownies. Thanks.”
“No problem, Dad!” Sutton calls. “We’ve got company.”
A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair walks in, holding a brownie. He looks fifties but not vibrant like my parents. He looks worn down, from his tired eyes to his slumped shoulders. “Cal, good to see you! And who’s this?”
I walk over to shake his hand. “Hi, I’m Mackenzie Campbell. Sutton’s been working for my company for the past year or so.”
