It looks like I’m left with trying to convince them that Winnie and I are in love.
15
WINNIE
I decideto tell Candice about my plans while she’s with Jenny and Lila. Lila is only three, so we don’t curse or yell around her, and Jenny will probably be supportive of my hair-brained scheme since she’s got a wild side herself. Hopefully the two of them will manage to keep Candice’s reaction even-keeled.
I find the three of them in Jenny’s trailer. Jenny is packaging soap up for her online business, while Candice plays with Lila on the floor.
“Hey,” Jenny says, setting down a stack of soap. “What’s up, Win?”
“Can I sit?” I ask, gesturing to the kitchen table.
“Of course,” Jenny says.
I pull out one of the cherry red chairs and settle myself in. Jenny has made the small space inviting and fun. The red chairs match the gingham couch, and on the floor is a plush rug, which looks perfect for Lila to play on.
“Win!” Lila chirps at me from behind her block tower. “Win!”
“Hello munchkin,” I say, giving her a little wave. “Um, Candice?”
“Yeah?” my friend responds, stacking another block where Lila tells her to.
“I’m staying in Star Mountain.”
“Win, that’s amazing! As long as you’re here, we can figure the rest out together,” Candice says.
Yeah, me, her, and Jonah, I wince internally. “About that,” I say, my voice shaky.
Jenny looks up from her pile of soaps and her bright eyes are inquisitive. I can tell her interest is piqued.
“My parents are suing me. I was served earlier today.”
“I thought I saw a car I didn’t recognize leaving the property…” Jenny mutters. Candice just stares at me in shock.
I nod, and then plunge ahead. “So I’m getting married to access my trust fund.” I watch both of their mouths drop open in shock. “To Jonah,” I rush to add, because he’s well liked around the barn.
“Oh my God,” Candice whispers.
“Fuck,” Jenny says, breaking her own rule of not cursing around Lila. Lila, for her part, is happily and obliviously arranging her blocks.
“When did you plan all of this?” Candice gets up off the floor and sits at the table with us.
“I asked him earlier today and he agreed. He needs money to pay his mom’s medical bills, and I also think he just wanted to help me out,” I explain. It’s difficult to read the expressions of the women in front of me. Sure, maybe it doesn’t matter what they think because I’m going through with this regardless, but it will be a hell of a lot easier if I have my friends on my side. “You’re not mad?” I ask quietly, searching their faces.
“Oh, honey, no,” Candice says. “I could never be mad at you.”
My face crumples a bit as I realize that I’ve been expecting my friends here in Star Mountain to act like my parents—judgmental, controlling, and unkind. “Thank you,” I sniff. “But I’m sure you think it’s a bit stupid?”
“Nope,” Jenny says, shaking her head. “It’s smart as hell.”
“Hell!” Lila screeches from the floor, clearly listening to our conversation now.
“That’s a grown up word, sweetie,” Jenny says. “But honestly, Winnie, I think you’re smart to marry Jonah because he’s a good guy. Whatever the terms of your arrangement, he’ll honor them. And you’re smart to marry in this situation, period. You need money and this is how you can get some. A whole lot of some.” Jenny shrugs. “It makes complete sense to me.”
“Thanks Jenny.” I fiddle with a soap scrap on the table.
“How much will you get?” she asks me.
