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“Thanks, Stella.”
“Are you still having the congrats-on-making-CEO/welcome-to-the-family party?”
“Hell yeah, my mother is knocking herself out planning that one.” His tone is warm with affection.
He’s close to his mom. Probably his sister too. I remember what he said to me when I fretted about facing his extended family. How he looked into my eyes and called me his queen.
Would it really be that horrible being his wife? So he doesn’t kiss; big deal.
His voice brings me back to the present. “I’ll be in New York for Ethan’s wedding. Why don’t I swing by your place on Friday evening unless you prefer to meet me somewhere for drinks?”
It’s probably too late to change anything. For all I know the guy could already have struck the deal with another woman. “Okay. Whichever is fine with me,” I say.
“Are you okay Stella? You don’t sound like yourself.”
“I’m good.”
“Have you reconsidered my offer? Is that why you’re calling out of the blue after ghosting me for two weeks?”
“I didn’t ghost—” I begin
“Answer me,” he interrupts.
“Okay, fine.” I snap. “Yes, I’ve changed my mind.”
“Fuck.”
“Although not everything in the contract works for me,” I quickly add. “That’s what I wanted to see you about.”
“Stella, you do know my wedding is in two weeks, right?”
“And I know you don’t give a fuck who the bride is,” I retort.
I hear his deep chuckle and immediately hold the phone away from my ear. I can’t stand his laugh. Certainly not the way it makes my toes curl.
When he settles, I hear him say, “She’s already signed the contract.”
“But she’s not fulfilled the requirement; you’ve not said the vows yet.”
“Wow, you’re suddenly so eager to get hitched to me.” he drawls, “I thought you found the idea revolting. What changed?”
Do I detect a note of hurt? It’s hard to get beyond his playful exterior especially when I’m not looking at him. I’m not sure if he’s mocking me or if he was stung by my rejection.
“Out with it Stella”
“I can’t tell you now, not over the phone.”
“But are you okay?”
“I don’t know; it depends on if we marry,” I admit in a small voice.
“Whoa. You need money.”
“Not per se.”
“Damn. Stella, I told you to always talk to me if you want something.”
“I thought that was a sexual thing.”
