Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
And realized how unhappy and unsatisfied I really am.
I’m unsure what will make me happy and satisfied, but if this conversation indicates anything, getting to know my mother better would be a good start.
“One day, Mom, I’d love to talk about many things,” I say. “When we have time to sit down and have a drink and really have a conversation.”
“I’d like that, too.”
My heart swells.
“Can I come to the wedding?” she asks.
“It’s just going to be a quick, little thing with a preacher. Nothing fancy. If you’d like to come, I’d love that. But you should probably check with Jason first. I’m supposed to be laying low.”
“I didn’t think of that. I’ll definitely check with him. But I cannot imagine you getting married and not being there.”
“At worst, we can video call with you,” I say. “I know it won’t be the same, and I want you here, too. But it’s not a real marriage, so …”
My face falls, and I’m not sure why.
“Bianca, I’m getting a call from Jason. Let me take this, and I’ll call you back this evening, okay?”
I nod. “That’s fine. I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too. More than you know.”
I end the call feeling more relaxed … and content than I have in a long time. She would’ve made an effort to be here. That makes me happy.
There is too much going on to worry about work, and while this situation isn’t a walk in the park, it is a nice change of pace. When I left the office yesterday, I would’ve said this was impossible. I would’ve sworn that the only way to keep me from thinking about work was if I was six feet under.
But I haven’t thought about it at all today. I’ve thought about myself. I’ve made plans. I have something to look forward to that doesn’t involve a computer screen. Granted, it’s for a wild and convoluted reason, but it’s fun to remember I’m a whole person again.
And it’s not so bad to think about marrying Foxx.
I grin as I dial Astrid.
“Hey,” she says. “How’s Florida?”
“Florida is surprising.”
“Oh really? Surprise me. What’s going on?”
I peel off Foxx’s shirt and dress in yesterday’s clothes. “Well, I need you to send me a few more things.”
“Okay …”
I grin. “Do I have anything in my closet that I can get married in?”
Silence. Absolute silence.
“Astrid?” I ask.
“I’m sorry.” She laughs. “I thought you asked me if you had anything in your closet to get married in. It took me a minute to realize you asked if you had anything in your closet to be buried in. Do I even want to know what’s happening now?”
I laugh. “Is it that crazy I’d need something to get married in?”
“Considering it’s you—yeah. So why do you need burial clothes, and who must I track down and inflict revenge on?”
“I need something to get married in, Astrid.” I pause for dramatic flair. “I’m marrying Foxx.”
“What?”
I laugh. “I don’t want to get into it. But I need you to believe that we’ve had a hot love affair for a couple of years behind the scenes. And now we’ve decided to make it official and start a life together.”
“Wow. Okay. I’ll believe that. It’s certainly possible, considering the chemistry between you two. But I have questions …”
“And I’ll answer those later. For now, that’s the story, and I need you to propagate that if anyone asks. Okay?”
“You got it. But can I spice it up a little? Can I tell people I’d come in to work and find you handcuffed to the bed? Or hear you screaming—”
“No.” I laugh so hard I snort. “I mean … you know what? You do you. If you want to create some sexy backstory for me, just promise me you’ll make it good.”
She snickers. “Do you even know me? Of course, I’ll make it good. Don’t forget that I’ve seen that sexy-as-hell fiancé of yours, and I’m certain he knows his way around a woman’s body. Those hands. Those sexy lips. That body.”
She must stop, or I’ll combust here and now just thinking about him … and what’s to come. I hope.
“Now, what do you need from me? How can I help you?” she asks.
I walk down the hallway and into the living room, listening to her babble.
“You’ll need a dress. Flowers. Lingerie for the honeymoon.” She groans. “I’m so damn jealous of you.”
My cheeks ache from my smile.
“When is this going down?” she asks.
“I’m not sure. As quickly as possible. He’s talking to his mother now to see if she can help us set it up.”
“Okay … Aha! I just found that Halcyon is opening a shop really close to you.”
I make a face. “They are? I love that store.”
“Let me make a call and see if I can pull some strings. They always have really cute stuff, and if I’m lucky, I can get you a few more outfits and maybe even a dress for the wedding. I sent you a care package that’ll arrive tomorrow, but there’s probably not enough in there to get through a wedding, honeymoon, and … wait. Are you living down there? Do I still have a job with you?” She groans. “If not, please don’t refer me to Tate.”