“Thank you,” I tell the man as Harper grabs the paper and rushes out of the small chapel.
As we turn to leave, there’s a couple waiting behind us. They aren’t paying us any attention as they hang all over one another and are about two seconds from going at it.
Jesus. I don’t think Harper and I were that bad when we were here. We were in love but not nearly as obnoxious.
Harper is waiting for me outside under a bright, flashing light.
Get married in ten minutes by Elvis for $49.99. Includes rings and bouquet! Best deal in Sin City
I wonder how many places say that.
I stuff my hands into my jean pockets as Harper turns on me.
“What a dick,” Harper gripes.
“At least we have answers.”
Harper swoops her hair up and ties it into a sloppy mess on top of her head. “Answers that are going to cost us.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“You will?” Adjusting her bag, we both set off toward the main road.
“Yeah. The lawyer fees and whatever costs come with it. I’ll handle it.”
“I can afford it, you know,” Harper tells me.
“I know. But I have the money and maybe my guy will get it done faster.”
“Of course you want it done faster.”
If it’s up to me, I don’t want it done at all. But I don’t think now is the time to bring that up.
Harper hurries off in front of me as I jog after her to keep up.
“Hey.” I grab her elbow and pull her to a stop. People with large drinks pass us as they head toward the action. The sunlight catches on Harper’s hair, making her light up like an angel. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Then how’d you mean it?”
Harper looks up at me, wearier than she did earlier. I can’t blame her. She had to waste a day off to come out here to deal with this headache. Maybe I should have called to take care of it.
It would’ve been the easy way out. Getting to spend time with her? I selfishly wanted that.
“You want this over and done with. I’m trying to make it easier on you,” I tell her.
“This is all so messed up.”
Harper buries her face in her hands. I wish I could pull her into my arms and tell her it’s all going to be okay.
It’s not my place. She’s going to go back to her room, and I’m going to take a cab to the hotel to get ready for the game tonight.
“We’ll meet with a lawyer at home and get it figured out, okay? Then you never have to see me again.”
She drops her hands from her face, and her blue eyes swim with emotion. “I never wanted this, Marcus.”
“Never wanted what?” I take a tentative step closer to her. Off the strip, the sidewalks aren’t as busy. Only a few passersby.
“To end up divorced from you.”
