But I don't feel bad. I don't feel bad at all.
The emotions from the day, from the past weekend, surge forward unbridled. I want to rage. Scream at Dom for not remaining sober in Vegas. Scream at myself for making bad choices. At my grandma for daring to leave this world, for leaving me behind and alone. "It is the worst, Dominic. Because I loathe you."
Dominic absorbs my words. Nods in slow, slight movements. Bites the inside of his lower lip. Head lowered, he leans his face closer, blue-eyed gaze holding mine as he says, "The feeling is mutual, Menace."
There's a gasp from the trio of onlookers, but I'm not sure who it came from. I drag in a breath, but the air is all wrong. Thick with hate, soured by emotional exhaustion.
"You're not going on that road trip with me." I'm braced for an argument, but it doesn't arrive. One side of his mouth curves up in a slow, devilish smile. He's enjoying whatever it is he's about to say.
"I'll be there whether you like it or not. And?" He wears a full smile now. I envision smacking it off his handsome face. "I'm not giving you an annulment."
Please tell me this is the THC talking. Except, Dom doesn't seem high anymore. Just hell-bent on making my life hell.
"I'm not staying married to you." I have to ball my fists at my side to keep from assaulting him.
"You will be for the duration of the road trip." He slides his hands into his pockets. Takes a step back. "I can't wait to wish you a happy one-month anniversary."
I growl, an honest to goodness animal sound. Dominiclaughs.
I hate him. More than I've ever hated anyone. How can it be that I am also married to the man?
"I'll call you later. Get all the details for our road trip. Make sure you unblock my number."
"How did you know?—"
"Educated guess." He smiles at me again, then looks at Klein and nods his head toward the house.
They retreat into the home, and I finally lock eyes with the two women standing shell-shocked on the sidewalk.
Paloma speaks first. "Cecily, warn a girl before it gets that entertaining. I like to eat popcorn when I watch soap operas."
Paisley isn't as amused as Paloma. "What was all that?"
I rub my temples. "My life imploding before my eyes."
Paloma and Paisley share a meaningful look. "It's time," Paisley says.
Paloma nods sagely. "It is time."
CHAPTER 15
Cecily
"Are youserious?"I send the open box a wary look. "A voodoo doll making kit?"
The size of an adult male's shoebox, it's overflowing with scraps of felt in all colors and shapes, hats, and various accessories the size of my thumbnail.
"Don't knock it," Paloma cautions, pelting me with a button. It rolls across the wood table of the coffee shop before settling near Paisley's elbow. "And don't call it a voodoo doll. We're not invoking evil spirits. It's just a doll."
"It's not about the doll," Paisley informs me. "It's about the time spent crafting and talking. You have to pay attention to what's in your hand so you don't jab yourself with the needle you're using to sew everything on. Makes it easier to talk when you're focused on something else."
"I take it you're not new to doll construction?" I rummage through the felt, coming up with a tiny bow tie.
"I made one for Shane a long time ago. Paloma and I didn't know each other very well when she suggested it." Paisley laughs at the memory.
Shane was Paisley's college boyfriend who nearly married her little sister. Icky, yes, but if he hadn't done that Paisley might not have run into Klein at her sister's bachelorette party, setting into motion the beginning of their happily ever after.
"She thought I waslouco," Paloma says, throwing her sooty hair over her shoulder.
