It feels like weeks since I saw her last after everything that’s happened.
“Oh. Yeah! I’ll be right up.”
I head to the front and there she is, wearing a smile on her face and enormous sunglasses. “Hey!”
She wraps me in a tight hug, then pushes me to arm’s length. “I know. I’m ambushing you. But it’s my last night, let’s go grab a drink. Happy hour. My treat. I won’t take no for an answer.”
I hesitate. Not because I don’t want to see her, because I do—but Logan was going to take me home, and it’s not like we have a shortage of things to talk about.
“Yeah. Yeah, just let me just go tell Logan. He was my ride.”
“No biggie, I can drop you off afterward.” She waves me off, backing out the door. “I’ve got the rental car out front. Just come find me when you’re done.”
I head back and knock on Logan’s office door.
“Later!” he barks.
Yikes.
I’m sure Casper is in there giving him hell about the ring. Instead, I pull out my phone and text him.
It’s Rosa’s last night in town and I told her I’d see her before she heads out. I’m going to have a couple drinks and then she’ll bring me to your place. Promise. I’ve got my key.
I wait for three dots to pop up, but it’s still unread. A car horn honks in the distance, so I clutch my purse and stuff my phone inside, then hurry out the front door. Just one drink. Two tops.
I already made my choice; the ring is on my finger. I’m sure he’s not going to like it, but he needs to give me this. This will be a good way for him to show he can trust me. I’m safe with friends. He has her number. We’re good.
Rosa honks again before I’m even off the curb.
I climb into the spotless car and reach for the seat belt to buckle up, and Rosa snatches my left hand.
“Oh my God!” Her grip tightens as she glares at the ring. “Is this—is this?—”
I blink at her, wearing a guilty smile and shrugging. “It’s a long story.”
“I’ve got time.” She scoffs, shoving me away from her. I’m not sure she has enough time for this one. “I just saw you! When did this even happen?”
“Technically—” I sigh. “We’re already married. That’s the long part . . . Remember when I was in Montana for the expo and we were out getting drinks? Apparently, I was also getting married.”
“You know?” she asks.
I cock my head. “Know what?”
“I mean, he’sjusttelling you this now? That was weeks ago! He didn’t tell you until now?” she shrills.
I nod. “Yeah. It’s called a proxy marriage, it’s legal in Montana. Yes, yes, it’s crazy. I-I don’t know. It’s a weird situation.”
Her jaw unhinges, and she stares at me. But she’s not really looking at me, she’s looking through me. “And now he gave you a ring?”
“I didn’t know until recently. Really recently,” I say, trying to ease the weird vibe. “I was livid when I found out. I’m still mad . . .”
Her eyes focus on me again.
“So when is the divorce party?” she asks, putting the car in gear and pulling away from the shop.
I chuckle. “I understand it looks bad. However . . . I can’t walk away. I’m not okay with what happened, but . . . I love him more than I hate him.”
“Kelly!” She barks out a humorless laugh; it’s loud and strange, almost like a scream. “He’s being controlling! You aren’t in love, you have Stockholm syndrome!”
