Her expression softens in a way that makes my throat tight.
"You're so incredible, Val," she says gently. "Strong and smart and good. I don't think he could make you darker even if he tried."
A pause.
"If anything…" Her smile is small but genuine. "I think you'd make his life lighter."
I wasn't expecting that, but I’m so glad to get her perspective.
"What are you going to do?" she asks.
"I don't know." I take her hands into mine.
"But if I do go through with it…" I hesitate, then meet her eyes. "Will you be there? As my maid of honor?"
Her answer is immediate.
"I'll be there."
Relief crashes through me, and I almost start crying again.
"But," she adds, pointing at me with mock sternness, "if you don't show up, I will come find you. And we'll drink expensive wine and eat our weight in cheese and never look back.”
"Deal."
“Seriously, you don’t owe anyone anything. Not even Salvatore.”
She tilts her head, studying me. “If anything, he owes you. Everything in that envelope? That’s barely a start after the way he forced himself into your life.”
I laugh through the emotion clogging my throat.
"Don't feel pressured," she says more softly. "Do what's in your heart, Val. Not what you think you're supposed to do.”
"I love you so much, Lindsay," I say. "I missed all your wisdom."
"And I missed all your chaos," she shoots back with a grin.
We're both laughing again, the weight lifting just enough to breathe.
Then she claps her hands, her eyes brightening.
"Now," she says, "take me for a spin in that fancy Mercedes I know he bought you."
I raise a brow. "Please. You drive a Maybach on your days off."
"Yes," she says, grabbing her bag, "butyouused to drive a Honda."
I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling as I follow her toward the door.
"When will he realize you don't actually care about any of this luxury?" she asks over her shoulder.
"Who knows," I say. "But it's fine."
I glance back at her, a small smile playing at my lips.
"He can spoil me. I enjoy his efforts."
Lindsay laughs, shaking her head. “You’re in way too deep.”
