Page 20

Hudson Fitzgerald has renamed “The Fitzgerald Family Chat” to “Where the HELL is Eden?”

Hudson:Has anyone heard from Eden?

Zach:Define heard. I saw an IG post she was tagged in. But that was a few weeks ago.

Asher:She’s turned off her Find My Phone again. It’s very annoying.

Autumn:She probably just needs some alone time. Give her some space.

Hudson:Autumn… Do you know where she is?

Autumn:Um. No??

Asher:

Zach:Autumn, blink twice if she’s safe but you’re sworn to secrecy.

Wyatt:

Zach:Ah, the voice of reason has joined the chat. Or should I say the hand of reason?

Asher:If Wyatt sends another damn emoji I swear I’m hacking into his phone and removing them all.

Wyatt:

Zach:Wow. He knows more than one emoji. Give that man a diploma.

Eden:Relax, everybody. I’m fine. I’ll see you all in a few days. At least those of you who are on Liberty.

Hudson:A FEW DAYS??? What, when, how? Do you have your passport? Do you need money?

Autumn:See? I told you she was fine. You should all listen to me more.

Eden:Gotta go. Love you all. I’ll see you all in a few days. I’m coming home, babies!

Autumn:Yes! I can’t wait. Looking forward to it.

Hudson:Happy to hear that. You want to stay here with me and Skyler?

Autumn:She can stay with me and Parker.

Eden:Actually, I have accommodations. And a job. It’s a long story, I’ll tell you when I see you. Laters, taters!

I put the phone down and stare at my family group chat, my stomach tight, because I haven’t even gotten home and I’m already lying to them.

But what am I supposed to say?Hey, I’m married to your aggravating best friend, and he’s blackmailing me to keep it going?

Seriously, I’d probably be a widow within five minutes.

Actually… that’s not such a bad idea.

“You look like you’re trying to hatch another plan,” West says, walking into his living room where I’ve been ensconced for the past three days since our sham wedding. Because he thinks I might run away if I’m not held prisoner in his damn apartment.

I mean, he’s right. I’m seriously considering bolting. I would do it right now if it wasn’t for Hudson and Parker’s money being tied up in the resort.

“I was just wondering what I’d look like in black,” I say sweetly.

“Funny.” He smiles at me, his stupidly lovely eyes crinkling. “I’ll tell my personal shopper to take that into account.”