If she weren’t leaving tomorrow, I’d have kicked her out by now.
“I’m the event organizer,” I say to her, letting her passive aggressive comment bounce away when it hits the armor I’ve donned. “If anything, my dress is understated.”
I still feel weird claiming credit for something I didn’t do, but all my friends and several volunteers sung my praises whenI drug my sister with me earlier this afternoon to decorate the auditorium. It’s better that Hillary think I’m a big deal than find out the truth. She’d mock me for sure if I was ever stupid enough to show her my art studio.
“I still think you should’ve worn Spanx.”
“It’s just another layer Marshall would have to take off later,” I say on a giggle. Wow, I really am unbothered by Hillary. It’s a nice feeling.
“He’ll leave you, you know. When some bottle blonde starts going to his gym and seduces him.” Hillary gives me a glowering look that takes away that nice feeling in an instant. “Better enjoy him while you can, Hope.”
“It’s not like that,” I say, the fear that it’s exactly like that creeping back in.
Dammit. Guess my armor’s not thick enough tonight after all.
“You know it is.”
“Why are you being such a bitch?” I say it a little louder than I intend, turning more than a few heads.
“I’m just speaking the truth no one else is brave enough to say out loud.’
I glare at her, too pissed for words.
“I’m going to get a drink.” Hillary struts off, disappearing into the crowd.
“She’s awful,” Ruby says, sidling up to my side and looping her arm through mine. “Say the word and we’ll take care of her.”
“You’re not murdering my sister,” I grumble. “That privilege is reserved for me.”
“You look radiant, by the way. Marshall’s going to die when he sees you in that sparkly black dress. Just don’t let him get you out of it until you get home, mkay?” Ruby gulps a swallow, forcing a smile. “That was very weird to say about my brother.”
“Is this weird for you?” I ask her.
“No weirder than me marrying Marshall’s best friend.”
“This whole thing was supposed to be fake, but I…don’t know if it is. Fake, that is. Not for me. Not anymore. But what if it’s just one-sided?”
Oh God, I sound like a bumbling idiot. I knew better than to sleep with Marshall. I knew I’d never be able to separate sex and feelings. Damn the man and his ability to give me world-altering orgasms. Now I haveallthe feelings. Feelings that have me very tempted to let him have his way with me without a condom, consequences be damned.
I’ve never let a man come inside me without protection. It feels…important. Like a privilege I’ve been saving for Marshall for longer than I can comprehend. It makes no sense and perfect sense all at once.
“Honey, no one believes this thing between you is fake.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Hillary does.”
“Hillary’s a miserable jealous cow. Where’s her famous actor hubby tonight? Why isn’t she spending New Year’s Eve with him?”
“He’s filming some movie in Madagascar or Morocco or some exotic place like that.”
“And she didn’t go with him?”
I shrug. “Every time I ask, she changes the subject.”
“Don’t let her ruin your night. You’re going to get that midnight kiss you’ve always wanted. Focus on that.”
