Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 106798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 534(@200wpm)___ 427(@250wpm)___ 356(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 534(@200wpm)___ 427(@250wpm)___ 356(@300wpm)
“Do you want me to get a new bed?”
I shake my head and return to said bed, layering the shirt beneath the suit jacket. My knee-jerk reply is to tell him that at some point I’m leaving again. If this bed brings him comfort, I would never deny him that when I’m halfway around the world.
I don’t tell him that. For the moment, I’m going to pretend that I’m not leaving.
“Do you like the bed? Is it comfortable for you? If so, then keep it. You can flip the mattress. Get new bedding. Change out the headboard. Rearrange the room. Paint the walls. Hell, you could move to a different house. You should do what you need to do. And if you need everything to stay the same, then leave everything as is. The heart has little control over what it needs. And I have no opinion here. Other than the suit. I cannot, in good conscience, let you wear it to the wedding.”
Zach sits on the edge of the bed, hands folded between his spread legs. “It doesn’t bother you? The bed. The house. The chair and quilt. She’s everywhere and you’re okay with that?”
With a slight chuckle, I return to the closet, snatching ties and shoes. He only has two pairs of dress shoes as well. And one is a black pair he wears for work. We need to go shopping. “Sometimes I think you forget that I loved her too. She was my best friend even if I wasn’t truly hers. I liked her way more than I like you.”
I lie.
“That’s harsh.” He gives me a funny look as I emerge from the closet with ties and shoes.
“No. Harsh is your tie and shoe selection. Zach, this is not okay. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little disappointed in Suzie for allowing you to have such a boring wardrobe. I mean …” I stand back and inspect everything laid out on the bed. It’s cringe-worthy. “This isn’t going to work.”
“I’m not buying a new suit for this wedding. I rarely wear a suit that’s not my uniform. It’s a waste of money.”
“Then a new shirt, tie, and shoes.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my shirts.”
“Zach …” I frown. “You’re killing my fashion-loving heart right now. Killing it.”
He rolls his eyes. “Fine. A new shirt.”
“Tie and shoes.”
“Nobody will be looking at my shoes.”
“I will!” I rest my fists on my hips and glance up at the ceiling, blowing out a breath of frustration.
“Then just keep your eyes on my face.”
“Zach …”
“Emersyn …” he mocks me. “New shirt and tie. Final offer.”
“Fine.” I huff and march down the hall to my bathroom. “I’ll take a quick shower. Pack up my breakfast. I’ll eat it on the way.”
“I could join you in the shower.”
“No, Zachary. Fashion is foreplay. That’s why women wear lingerie. You’ve ruined the moment.”
As I close the door behind me, I hear him chuckling. It makes me grin. I’m proud of myself for being brave (courageous) enough to show maturity when he asked me about the bed, about Suzie’s presence that will linger in this house forever.
“That’s a feminine tie,” Zach says as I hold up several ties.
“I’m going to request that you not speak. If we got on a plane, I would not tell you how to fly it. M-kay, pumpkin?” I say in my sweetest voice.
“I don’t like this. I’m not a mannequin you can dress up. I just want that to be on record.”
“Noted. But overruled.”
His eyes bulge at the price tag. “It’s a hundred-dollar tie.”
“I know. They’re all cheap ties, but we don’t have a big choice with so little time.”
“Cheap? A hundred dollars is cheap for a tie?”
“In the fashion world, yes.”
“Jesus Christ.”
“This will work. Shirt and tie for under three hundred dollars. My treat.” I saunter to the checkout.
He tosses his credit card on the counter. “You’re not buying my clothes.”
“I am.” I give the sales lady a wink while handing her my credit card.
She smirks, shooting Zach a quick glance.
“Hey, Zach …”
I turn as a couple approaches us. They look close to Zach's age.
“Oh, hey!” He grins.
“How’s it going?” the guy asks.
I sign for the tie and shirt and take the bag.
As I sidle up to Zach, the couple eye me and then him.
He seems at a loss for words, so I extend my hand. “Hi. I’m Emersyn.”
“Rob. And this is my wife, Jill.”
I smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“Yeah … um …” Zach fumbles his words. “Emersyn was just helping me pick out a new shirt and tie for Aaron’s wedding.”
“Aaron’s getting married?” Rob asks.
“Yes. Just a small wedding at our parents’ house.”
“Tell him congratulations.”
Zach nods. “I will.” He gives me a quick glance, and I return a tight smile. “Rob used to work with me. Now he works for a private jet company.”