Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“Well,” I clear my throat. “Josh said his prenuptial agreement really came in handy during his divorce.”
“That’s completely different,” she moves her chair to face me. “You know his marriage to Holly was pretty much a business agreement between my Dad and hers?” She explains, and I nod. “They were friends and everything, and I’m sure there were feelings, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t your typical marriage.”
“I know, but-”
“It was always this unspoken agreement that they’d one day get married,” she sighs. “In the beginning, I think they both tried, but you know,” she laughs. “Things got ugly when Josh decided he wanted to be a teacher and all, and eventually, he saw her true colors,” she sighs again. “But also, because of this, my parents are really banking on my marriage. At least one of their kids won’t be a screw up.”
“Yeah,” I nod, listening.
“I love my brother, and if it wasn’t for him, I’d be a completely different person,” she confides. “He’s a really good guy who was raised in a really spoiled and selfish environment.”
“He is a good guy,” I agree.
“I know what he did to you wasn’t okay, but I truly don’t believe he meant to hurt you the way he did,” she smiles. “I think he’s really trying, and I’ve never seen him try like this with anyone before.”
“I know,” I smile. “It’s hard for me to get over things, but I am trying.”
“He didn’t ask me to talk to you or anything,” she adds. “So don’t be upset with him if I’m annoying you.”
“It’s fine,” I smile. “And I also don’t think you should sign anything you’re not comfortable with,” I pause. “Maybe you and Matt should just elope!”
“Yes!” Her eyes go wide. “Oh my God, yes!”
“Wait, what?” I laugh. “I was being sarcastic.”
“No,” she jumps. “Eloping is a great idea!”
The bell rings, and the hall outside her classroom booms with chatter and loudness.
“Um,” I clear my throat, standing to leave. “Maybe you should think about it some more before committing?”
Crap, I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds.
Chapter 10
-Josh-
I’m leaving my last meeting of the day when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I retrieve it; happy to see Luci’s name.
I sort of told your sister that maybe she should elope.
You did what?
I’m sorry! You weren’t here, and she wanted to talk, and we sort of ran into each other.
Oh God.
This is a whole new mess I’m going to have to fix between Deb and my parents now, like I’m still not hearing enough shit about what happened at her engagement party.
Sorry! I miss you?
I can’t help my laugh as I step into the elevator.
Is that questionable?
No!! I do! It seems like forever!
I shake my head as I slide the hotel key into the door. It clicks open, and I step inside, my fingers brushing against the keys of my phone. Stop trying to butter me up!
A wild idea pops into my head, and I grab my computer, searching for the next flight out of here, before texting her again. You’re going to owe me a movie for this.
A movie?
That’s the price you must pay!
When? She asks, adding a smiley face.
Tomorrow? I add a wink face.
What?
Just then my phone rings. “Yes?” I answer immediately.
“What do you mean tomorrow?” She demands.
“I’m changing my flight,” I tell her, just as I finish entering my credit card expiration date into the computer. “I seem to have an emergency and can’t stay for the rest of the conference.”
“Ugh, did I really fuck up so badly that you need to rush home?” I hear the nervousness in her voice. “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think you’re understanding, dear Luci,” I coo in her ear. “You miss me? I’m not letting that happen.”
She breathes heavily, understanding what I’m saying. “You know there’s school tomorrow?” She laughs softly.
“You’ll call out and meet me at the mall, shall we say noon?”
“Will I get in trouble?” She hesitates. “Will you?”
“I already spoke, and you’re allowed to be sick,” I laugh at her reluctance.
“Okay,” she agrees all too easily. “I’ll call you right back.”
We hang up, and I’m already gathering my items from the bathroom and starting to pack.
Two seconds later, my phone is ringing.
“It’s done,” she says as soon as I answer.
“I know,” I laugh. “You report to your department head, who in turn reports these things to me. I already got the email.”
“You’re an ass, you know that?” She laughs.
I can’t help my smile, already looking forward to tomorrow.
I arrive at the movies early, watching as Luci walks in, not being able to stop the way I automatically move towards her.
“So we can see an action movie if you want?” I joke.
She lets out an audible laugh before turning to the screen that displays the times, and I look over as well. “The Ring Two is still playing,” I suggest. “My students talk about it all the time.”