“And newlywed season, that blocks out my schedule during the evenings if you get my drift,” he retorts and challenges her.
She laughs weakly, and I sputter from his boldness. “Well then, perhaps leave me the details for your assistant and I can contact her.”
“Perfect.” I clap my hands together. “I guess I can read through all the paperwork and speak with my bank beforehand?”
“I don’t see why not.” She uses the mouse on her laptop to take a glimpse at something. “I’ll send a draft to you later today or tomorrow morning. You can only sign the final documents after you meet with Ingrid. She still needs to fully agree.”
“Alright then.” I am completely relieved that all my ducks are falling in a row.
Oliver leaves his seat, and he throws Molly a warning glare. “NDA.”
She breathes out, frustrated. “Yes, I know. What about your brother? Doesn’t the sheriff overrule that document? So if he were to ask then I would have to tell him?” Her hypothetical is not likely at all, she probably just wants to stir the pot in a non-malicious way.
“I doubt my brother would specifically ask that question.”
She throws her hands up at a loss. “Okay, okay.”
I interlink Oliver’s arm with my own. “Come on. I think you are getting hangry.” I yank Oliver with me. “Thanks again, Molly,” I call out as we leave.
The moment we are out in the warm summer air, I ignore all logic and throw my arms around Oliver for a hug. “It’s happening.”
He slings his arm around me. I’m beginning to think that he left a print on my body already a few days ago which means his arm knows exactly where to mold.
“It is. You’re almost there.” The genuine look on his face that lightens, pings in my chest as I look at him affectionately. His eyes trail down, and he notices something on my neck. “Hey, you’re wearing the ring.” He seems pleased by that.
I glance down, pull out the chain, and the ring appears from under the fabric. “I am. Silly, huh? I needed something to remind me of this whirlwind week while I dealt with Social Studies and unenthusiastic summer school kids.”And because I like that you gave it to me. Playing the part of wife isn’t bad at all, either.
“Good.”
“Come on. I’ll attempt to cook dinner.”
Oliver unlocks his car. “Sure. I’ll drop my car at home and leave my laptop then head to your place.”
“Nuh-uh. Keats and Esme are next door. Too many questions.”
His head lolls to the side as he contemplates. “Solid point. I’ll see you at mine then.”
“Yep.”
Because I don’t live with you.
And it stings a little.
17
HAILEY
As soon as I turn from my front path onto the sidewalk heading down the street, I hear my name being called.
“Hailey.” Esme prances toward me. “Where are you going? Want to order in with me? Keats went to see his sister.”
“Uh, I can’t.”
“Okay. Plans? And why are you in yoga pants and sneakers?” She assesses my outfit.
“Because…”Think. “I thought I would start power walking. Yep. A great form of exercise.”
She looks at me oddly. “Power walking? You?”
