Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141281 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“Just between us, it was mainly for Evie’s sake. Travel can be...rather taxing on her health. She’s still technically in recovery,” he says softly. “Say, I got your text this morning. We’re running a lot of extra routes to Las Vegas this summer. How does a little getaway there sound? Maybe a little fun will help you get your creative juices going—just don’t let the slots and poker tables rob you blind.”
Vegas.
I’ve only been there a few times, and never as a grown woman, ready and willing to let loose.
“...you know, I might take you up on that. I’ll see if Marnie wants to come. Seems like a place where you need a partner in crime, right?”
He stands up and slaps me on the back.
“That’s my girl! It’s certainly a place where you shouldn’t be alone. I’ll have the arrangements ironed out just as soon as you give the word. Until then, try to get some studying in. You’re on the home stretch, Cordelia, and I’m proud of you.”
We trade grins. I give him a quick hug, holding on a little longer before he heads out the door.
“Hey, Dad...if there’s ever anything crazy happening, you’d tell me, right? You shouldn’t bottle it all up.”
He stops and looks at me.
“Everything’s fine, honey. It’s a marriage, after all. I knew what I was getting into when I said my vows, and I promised her we’d make this work. Our journey is our problem—not yours—and it’s on me to sort this out. Thanks for your concern.”
He nods affably one more time, and then he’s gone.
* * *
Guess who’s got tickets to Vegas burning a hole in her pocket and no one to go with? I send to Marnie later, after I’ve pummeled my brain enough for the evening.
OMG. When??? she sends back a moment later.
How does next week sound? I text, sighing and stretching out on my balcony.
My eyes keep glancing to the dark room next door. I hate that I’m so anxious to see any sign of light or movement, telling me Chris is home.
My phone pings again.
Marnie: UGH, you’re kidding. It’s my sister’s baby shower and I signed up to put it together. Mom is hella stressed. If it was any other time...
I’m still frowning down at my phone a minute later when the screen lights up with her call. I swipe the green icon.
“Holy shit, you have no idea how sorry I am,” she says, not even bothering with a hello. “But you know, I was thinking...you should definitely go alone, girl. Let me send you some dresses!”
“Dresses? Um, what?”
“I can still help you get dolled up to kill, duh. I know I’m probably an idiot for talking myself into buying you lunch every day next fall...but if you show up at the clubs looking single and sexy, and you keep your mind open, you will get laid.”
My jaw drops.
With the craziness lately, that dumb bet—sorry, pact—has been the absolute last thing on my mind.
“It’s whatever,” I say, trying to brush it off like nothing. “I’m just going to clear my head and have some fun. If I run into any guy worth having a drink or two with, cool, but I’m not stressing.”
“Hold up. Cordie?” She pauses and clicks her tongue.
“Yeah?”
“What are you not telling me?”
I snort loudly into the phone as my heart skips a beat. “Marnie, I have no clue what you’re—”
“Oh, no, pants on fire. I know you. Don’t tell me, you already have a guy in mind, don’t you?”
My mouth falls open and closes again. How the hell is she such a mind reader?”
“Marnie—”
“Wait, you have a guy, you’re into him, and I bet he digs you. But you’re both shy and dumb and he hasn’t made a move yet, has he?”
She’s killing me. “You’re crazy. And even if—if there was a smidge of truth in what you’re saying, it’s totally not that simple.”
“Cordelia Burr, pack your bags. You’re going and you’re going to tell me everything.”
I clear my throat, wilting in my seat. It’s incredible how good she is at making me squirm over the phone.
“Marnie,” I try again, but I hear her snapping her fingers.
“Nope. I’m being nice and letting you off lightly, all right? Now get off the phone and ask this guy to go with you. And if he doesn’t, if he’s too dumb to have the trip of his life with you and do it, you drop his ass like a hot meatball. Then you get your cute butt out on the strip and find someone better.”
“Marnie!” I’m hissing now but still too speechless to talk.
“You’ve got your orders, ma’am. Good luck, over and out and all that jazz.”
There’s a chiming sound. When I hold up the screen, she’s already dropped off, leaving me alone with an impossible task.
No freaking way am I entertaining it, of course.