I’m attracted to Grant. He’s gruff, but he’s also handsome and thoughtful. I don’t know why he needs a wife, but this agreement would help both of us. I could be a good wife to him.I’d be loyal and honest. Plus, once I start earning money as a doctor, I could pay him back. We’d have to iron out the details, but maybe meeting Grant today was fate. Maybe we’re exactly what the other needs.
I sigh. I need to forget about all this. I have more pressing things to worry about. Chances are, I’ll never see him again, so this is all moot. Besides, a guy like Grant could have anyone as his wife. I’m sure he’ll find someone better and forget all about me.
I take a deep breath and shake my head, pushing all thoughts of Grant and marrying him out of my head as I focus on studying for my test tomorrow.
My phone rings, and I jump to answer it, grateful for the distraction.
“Hey!” I answer when I see Suri’s name on the screen.
She’s been my best friend since kindergarten. We grew up together and have been inseparable for most of our lives. When I moved to Pine Valley, she came with me. She was there when my dad died and helped me plan the funeral. I would have rented an apartment with her, but I moved earlier to start school and needed a place to live.
“Hey, how’s it going?” she asks. “I didn’t hear from you much today.”
I can hear music and loud voices in the background before her door slams shut.
“You good over there?” I ask.
She huffs. “Nope. My roommates are throwing a party. Again.”
I can picture her glaring at her bedroom door.
“Sounds like fun,” I tease her.
“It’s not.”
“Well, you can come over here and listen to my roommate having loud sex with her boyfriend if you want.”
“No, but thanks for the offer. You’re a good friend.”
I snicker.
She sighs. “I need a change.”
My smile drops.
“Yeah. Me too.”
“I applied for some jobs.”
“Where?” I ask.
“All over. I figure you’ll be going to med school soon. Maybe I can find a job nearby. We can rent a place together. No shitty roommates.”
“Smart.”
“Maybe. Depends on whether I can find a new job.”
We’re silent for a moment as the music on her end is cranked up to deafening levels. A shout and crash can be heard before the music suddenly cuts out.
“What’s new with you?” Suri asks. “Anything interesting happen today?”
“Well, someone asked me to marry him.”
She laughs. “Some retiree?”
“Nope. A really hot guy. He came into the medical clinic and drove me home.”
“Marry him,” she says seriously.
