Page 92 of Marry Me, Right Now

I arrived home just before Mia usually did, and met her on the couch with a full wineglass in her place.

“Let me guess,” she said, with a heavy sigh as she kicked off her shoes and dropped her purse. “Your mother had a chat with you today.”

I smiled gently as she plopped on the couch beside me and took a huge swig of wine. I sniffed the air, curious. “Do I smell whiskey?”

She nodded. “A couple of sips, in case of emergency.” Her giggle sounded more relaxed than the tense look in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Did you actually tell my mother off?”

“Maybe a bit.”

“Do you think that was a good idea?”

She set her wine glass down and nervously twirled her ring. “I didn’t mean to. She was being absolutely insane. And incredibly insulting. I’m sorry I snapped.”

I tried to keep my expression neutral as I asked, “And you had a crazed gang of drug addicts in your office?”

She rolled her eyes. “Burnt Filth were there working, and their drummer was smashed from his migraine meds, so he was half out of it. Apparently, this likely makes me a druggie harlot and some sort of gutter trash that doesn’t deserve to be in the family.”

Her hand reached for mine and gave me a little squeeze. “Jacob, I’m so sorry. I never wanted to cause any trouble. I know this isn’t part of our deal, but I accidentally stumbled into a business I dearly love. But I can shut it down immediately. Put it on hold until our divorce, then start it up again. I did calculate everything, and with my cut, I can live very carefully for several years while I build up my own little arts agency, and maybe that could be my career.”

“Mia, I don’t want you to quit.”

Her hair swayed gently as she cocked her head. “But your mother is horrified.”

“She can suck it.”

Her mouth fell open. It looked like she didn’t breathe for a moment. “What did you just say?”

I took a sip of wine, trying to figure out a way to explain. “My mother has been a pushy nag my entire life. Wow. I’ve never actually said that out loud, but you’re the one person I really need to speak the truth with.” She looked like she was touched by my honesty. “I’ve always just put up with her crap because it was easier than telling her off.” I squeezed her hand, leaning a bit closer. “Mia, I will never repeat the things she said about you, but it showed me flat out that she’s a snotty, judgmental bitch.”

She shook her head. “Yeah, but it doesn’t matter what she says about me. I shouldn’t be causing any waves. I should be invisible. Learn to be a nice society country club wife. Play the game.” She flashed me a sad little smile. “The show must go on.”

“Not if it’s going to wreck something that you really want.”

“I can’t mess up our plan. It’s okay. I can close the agency, and pick it up whenever it’s safe.”

“Mia... I can’t even believe you’d consider shutting down something you’re brilliant at, and you obviously love.” I was stunned. No woman had ever given anything up for me before.

“It can wait a year and a bit. Our project comes first, and it’s more important – especially since your business and reputation hang in the balance. Now that I understand what I want to do, and have proven that it works, I can start it up again once we’re, you know.”

“Over.”

“Yeah.” She looked completely uncomfortable saying that, which gave me hope.

I couldn’t think of a way to tell her that it didn’t have to be over without sounding desperate. I knew I’d have to be the one to bring that subject up first, but I was scared. It may have been the first time in my life I’ve been genuinely, absolutely terrified. It was an unusual sensation, more intense than I had anticipated.

“Do you know what today is?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“Tuesday?”

“It’s the ninth. Our one month anniversary.”

“Oh wow.” She looked at me strangely, and we both looked down to see that we were still holding hands.

“Do you think that qualifies as–”

“Vacation,” she whispered, leaning in gently to kiss me.

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