AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Thanks. And yes, I could go for some dinner. You? I can grab sandwiches at the marina? Is that deli open for dinner?
I got dinner. See you in a few.
I look at the girls. Look at the packages from the post office on the hallway table.
Dogs need to run around a bit. Jen needs food. And I need?—
Well. To not spend any more time than is necessary with my fake wife. Especially after last night’s kiss. We didn’t talkabout it this morning. Just like we didn’t talk about it last night.
We’re doing what any well-adjusted adult would do. Pretending it never happened.
I’m already wondering if anyone will see us on the beach tonight. Together. It’s another opportunity to show the world we’re a couple. Tuck and Maren are scheduled to come home at some point later this week or weekend. They’ll find out about my relationship with Jen not long after. And once they do, they’re going to look for evidence. Proof that we really are into each other.
We really are married.
At least that’s what I tell myself as I take a quick shower and throw a bunch of shit in a beach bag I haven’t used in... years? I’m only at the beach to surf or run. Never hang out there otherwise.
Tai and Cher sit on the front bench of the golf cart beside me. When we start moving, they tip their noses up to the sky and let their silky ears flap in the breeze. Their eyes slowly blink shut, like this is the best thing that’s ever happened to them and they’re going to savor every second.
If only humans found bliss so effortlessly.
The deli is closed. I don’t want to do Stede’s again even though the food last night was A-plus.
Instead, I grab some hot dogs at a stand by the beach. I have Mikey, the owner, load them up with the works: ketchup, mustard, relish, and slaw. A couple bags of Ruffles potato chips and two ice cold beers to top it all off.
Not fancy. But I think it will hit the spot for Jen after a long day.
The ferry is pulling into the marina when we arrive. Letting out a silent sigh of relief that I’m not late, I scoop the girls into my arms and wait by the entrance of the dock for Jen to disembark.
“Who are you looking for?”
Lady Wade, Joe’s girlfriend, appears at my elbow. I didn’t realize I’d been straining my neck to look for Jen until I fall back on my heels.
I mentally move through the scenario where I tell Lady I’m waiting for mywife,Jen Monroe.
Lady will tell Joe. Joe will be pissed we didn’t immediately tell him. We could say we wanted it to be a surprise. Didn’t want to steal baby Reese’s thunder.
Still, I feel like I should play it safe here. I can still imply I’m into Jen without giving too much away.
“Hey, Lady. What’re you doing here?” I ask. “Jenny is coming back from meeting the baby.”
Lady smiles, nodding at the yacht bobbing in a nearby slip. “I’m going to check in on Riley and Lu and Katie. Did you see pictures of the baby? Joe showed me about a million.”
“I did. She’s beautiful. Looks like her mama, thank heaven.”
“Joe is on cloud nine,” Lady says, laughing. “He came home earlier with literal hearts in his eyes.”
I lower my voice. “He says he’s doing okay. Mentally. That true?”
“Well.” Lady lets out a sigh, her expression falling. “It’s hard to tell. He has his good days and then some days where it’s a bit more of a struggle staying upbeat. I think he’s anxious to get this surgery. Anxious about y’all most of all.”
“We’ll be fine,” I say firmly. “We have each other. Jen and I—we just want to be there for Joe because he’s always been there for us. You’ll let me know if y’all need anything? I got a freezer full of food ready to go.”
Lady puts a hand on my shoulder. “You’re kind. Let’s stay in touch, all right? And be sure to take care of yourselves in the meantime.”
“You do the same. I’m here. Always.”
Her eyes are glassy as she pulls me in for an awkward group hug with the dogs. “See y’all soon, I’m sure.”
