Page 271

She waved me off. “And?”

“His head is green, Willow.”

“Girl, I can work with green.” She gave him another appreciative once-over. “Besides, the universe chose him for me, so maybe it saw something I didn’t. Maybe them bolts are holding together a good man with excellent credit and emotional availability.”

I burst out laughing.

Willow continued like she was making a perfectly reasonable argument. “That nigga tall, built, and apparently got enough money to afford a custom-made costume. I can overlook a little neck hardware for a few hours. Hell, if everything else is functioning correctly, I ain’t got no business judging what’s going on above the shoulders.”

“Bitch, you stupid!”

“What?” She shrugged. “I’m just saying. Halloween husbands expire at midnight. I’m not adding him to my health insurance. Besides, I need somebody who can put me back together when life tears me apart. Frankenstein seems qualified.”

“That is not how Frankenstein works.”

“Close enough.”

She started backing away from me. “Anyway, let me go introduce myself before somebody else snatches my monster.”

I shook my head, still laughing. “Have fun.”

“Oh, I plan to.”

She made it a few steps before stopping and turning back toward me. “And Lakelyn?”

“What?”

“Slow down on them damn shots.”

I glanced at my glass. “Nosy, are we?”

“And no shame about it. I’m just saying, if I gotta beat a bitch’s ass tonight, I need you alert enough to hold my earrings. Don’t have me fighting for my life while you somewhere gripping the banister trying to remember which way the stairs go.”

I laughed. “Why are you already planning a fight?”

“I’m not planning one; I’m preparing for unforeseen circumstances.”

“You got a Halloween husband for three hours and already anticipating violence?”

Willow glanced back toward Frankenstein. “Listen, marriage changes people.”

“Go away.” I giggled.

She blew me a kiss and hurried toward the bar.

I shook my head as Willow disappeared back into the crowd.

That girl.

Once she was gone, I let my attention wander through the room again.

People were everywhere. Couples danced near the center of the foyer while groups gathered around the bar, taking pictures, laughing, and admiring all the decorations Willow had spent entirely too much time and money putting together.

I checked the time before letting my attention drift toward the staircase.

Caspian, you said you’d be here.

So where the hell was he?