“Don’t sound so shocked. It was just meatloaf.”
“I’m not shocked. I’m impressed. You break out the meatloaf for a man, that’s serious business.”
“It’s not like that,” I say quickly.
She raises an eyebrow. “You sure? Because rumor has it, he left looking very…content. Did he give you a serving ofhismeatloaf?”
My cheeks heat instantly. “Kinsey!” I can’t help but laugh. “That is the worst joke you’ve come up with yet.”
She laughs, sipping her coffee. “Relax, I’m kidding. Mostly. But seriously, you’ve got that post-kiss glow happening, so don’t even try to deny it.”
I turn back to the shelves, pretending to be fascinated byJunie B. Jones. “We’re just…figuring things out.”
“Figuring things out,” she repeats slowly. “Is that what the kids are calling it now?”
I shoot her a look over my shoulder. “You’re insufferable.”
“Maybe. But I’m also your best friend, which means I get to say this: You look happy, Kate.”
I pause, a book still in my hand. “I don’t know if happy’s the right word. There’s a lot to be unhappy about right now.”
“Okay,” she says softly. “Then maybe you look like you feel okay through the chaos?”
That stops me. I set the book down and exhale. “Yeah. Maybe that.”
She smiles, all teasing gone now. “Then stop overthinking it. You’ve been in survival mode for so long, you forgot what it feels like to just…breathe. Let someone help carry the weight for once.”
My throat tightens. “You’ve been talking to my mom.”
Kinsey grins. “She might’ve texted me a few choice words about her glowing daughter. Said you were on the verge of being sensible.”
“Oh God.”
She slides off the table, squeezing my shoulder. “I mean it, Kate. You deserve good things. Even if they come with a little small-town gossip attached.”
I close my eyes, bracing for impact. “I agreed to marry him.”
I open one eye and see Kinsey about to spontaneously combust. “Youwhat?”
“We’re going to just do a quiet little something at the courthouse. Get our license. He’ll stay at my place.” I exhale, hearing myself say it all out loud sounds insane.
“Kate, I know this is just a farce, but this is huge.”
“It’s just for the time being.”
She eyes me suspiciously. “Mmmmhmmm.”
I shrug. “We talked it over last night after I agreed to it. We have clear lines drawn and a plan in place.”
She grins. “Clear lines that include mind-blowing sex?”
“Kinsey!” I whisper yell, glancing around to see if anyone could hear us. “That’s just a…benefit.”
She shakes her head. “You’re funny.” She glances at the clock on the wall. “Fuck, I have to go into work. We arenotdone here.”
“There isn’t much more to talk about, honestly, Kinsey.”
Before I can answer, she’s already heading for the door. “Keep telling yourself that, Prescott. Also, for the record,” she calls overher shoulder, “if Coach Wells ever wants to join our book club, I’d approve the application on sight if he’s in his coach’s uniform.”
