“I’m choosing not to be offended.”
Vinny is generally a good guy, but he’s a hustler. If anything his clients do reflect poorly on him, he goes after them like a gangster with a vendetta. I would know.
“What’s the benefit of staying married?” I ask, though I can’t believe I’m even entertaining the question.
“Time, mostly. Let the media attention die down. Show that you’re a stand-up guy who honors his commitments, even accidental ones. Vinny will probably tell you this, but the romantic love story could only stand to benefit you, given the fallout from things with Xoe.”
I’ll never understand why I was painted as the bad guy in that situation when she was the one who left me for no good reason.
Brad continues, “When you do eventually file for divorce, it’ll look like you gave it a real try instead of bailing out at the first opportunity.”
“And if I don’t want to divorce her?”
The question surprises me as much as it does Brad if his prolonged silence is any indication.
“Well, then I guess you’d better get to know your wife.”
After I hang up, I sit in my kitchen, staring at nothing, until I realize a pair of striking gray eyes fills my vision, along with a smoothly sloping nose, full lips, and a beautifully oval face. Nina, last night, smiling.
The smart play is obvious. Meet with Nina, explain the situation, agree on a timeline for divorce that makes us both look good, and move on with our lives.
But I keep thinking about dancing with her, that video, our kiss. About the way she looked at me when she said, “I do.” About the fact that she checked to make sure I made it home safely, and that she’s using baking as an emotional coping mechanism with her “confusion cookies” because this whole situation is as overwhelming for her as it is for me.
Before I know it, I’m in my bathroom, getting ready and applying shaving cream. Which is ridiculous, because I shaved yesterday morning. I’m not usually a daily shaver unless I havea media obligation. I’m more of a “shave when I feel like it” kind of guy.
Apparently, I feel like it today.
As I lather my face, I try not to think about why I’m suddenly concerned with looking good for a meeting that’s supposed to be about ending my marriage before it really begins.
I definitely try not to think about the fact that Nina mentioned cinnamon rolls.
Or that I’ve been wondering what she looks like when she’s not dressed up for a fancy party.
Or that part of me—a part I’m trying very hard to ignore—is actually looking forward to seeing her again.
Because that would be complicated.
And after Xoe, I don’t do complicated.
Except, apparently, I just married it.
CHAPTER 6
After texting with Lane,I handle my phone like I need oven mitts. It’s not actually scalding, but it may as well be.
Earlier, his voice was like sandpaper in the best possible way—rough around the edges but immensely comforting, like he’s the kind of guy who knows how to deal with challenging circumstances without panicking.
Our conversation was perfectly reasonable, suitably adult. We agreed to meet, discuss our options, and fix this situation swiftly and quietly without a fuss.
So why did I feel compelled to text him about how when life happens, I bake, making it so now I feel like I just agreed to jump out of an airplane without checking if my parachute works? It could be because my ears are still a bit blocked from the early morning flight.
I shake my head and focus on getting ready. This isn’t a date. It’s a business meeting. A very strange, potentially life-altering business meeting with a man I sort of accidentally married, but still.
Business.
Except, instead of throwing on my usual uniform of leggings and whatever Busy Bee T-shirt happens to be clean, I find myself standing in front of my closet, considering my options. The cream cashmere sweater is elegant. The blue blouse makes my eyes pop. This is ridiculous, because it’s not like we’re going to stay married and I need to keep up appearances.
Then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. At the moment, I could use a little assistance. Where are my girls when I need them? Right, still in Vegas, likely having brunch. I agreed to the trip on one condition: I got back home as early as possible the next day. Leaving the bakery, especially in its current indebted state, made me fear I’m failing Bibi.
