“Never. I still remember what you told me about Ripley. You said he was all alone in the world and had nothing. He was angry, but he wasn’t heartless, and he could be loyal to the right person. I had to be that person.”
“I also told you to make him the face so you can live freely. Why did I tell you that, son?”
“Because people would bend to him faster. You said it was the way of the world and unfair, but we have to make it work to our advantage.”
“Because?”
“We have to use people’s stereotypes against them. Let them believe what they want because it’s not our job to change their minds. Every weakness is an advantage.”
“And how do we know how they think?”
“By doing our due diligence.”
“Do it on Corine Lamb. If you can, charm her. I was a young woman once. She’s intrigued, which means she’s attracted to you. If she thought you were a troll, she would not be here. See if there’s any chemistry. And bring her here for lunch soon. You’ve been alone for a while, and you’re not getting any younger. If this is getting in the way of you settling down, we can shut this down now. We have enough money.”
Now
“Maybe I shouldn’t have brought Cori into this.” Mom rests her head on my shoulder. “If anything happens to her—”
“Nothing will happen to her, and this will be over soon. I’ll call Steel Titan myself.”
“Stay away from him,” I warn. “But let’s go back inside before my nosy wife comes looking for us. Funny how she never suspected you.”
“Son, that’s my superpower. No one ever suspects a Black, peri-menopausal woman.” She links her arm through mine. “That’s their first mistake. They never see me coming, and that’s the way I like it.”
We find Cori in the kitchen, swiping on her iPad. The table is set, and while Mom goes to wash her hands, I pull my wife’s back into my chest and nip her ear.
“I have something to tell you,” I whisper. Just as I expected, my nosy bride faces me with eyes wide in anticipation. I take her chin and look down into her dark eyes. “I’m in love with you.”
“I already know that, dummy.” Her words are playful, but she blushes and casts her eyes down.
“Do you, though? I don’t think you know how much.” She puts her hands to her cheeks. “Look at me.” Our eyes lock. “You’re everything to me. I’ll put you first before everyone and everything.”
“Even Finch?”
I let her go and raise both hands. “Don’t get crazy, now.”
She hits my chest, but I grab her hands and pull her to me.
“Even Finch.” I rest my chin on top of her head. “But I’m not getting rid of her. And another thing, bribing you into marriage is the best thing I've ever done. I’d do it all over again.”
“Yeah, well, no one would willingly marry you.”
“We’re a perfect match. I’m a lucky man.”
“You are.”
I take her chin again and look down at her. “You’re a brilliant, beautiful woman with a fat ass.” I give it a good squeeze and she jolts. “You’re a nosy thing, too, but that’s how I got you, so I’m not mad about it. But you’re loyal and sweet, and despite you blabbing to your friends about me, I will trust you with my life. I know you were running your mouth to them way before I confirmed anything.”
“And they warned me toleave it alone.”
“I’m so glad you didn’t listen.”
“Eh.” She shrugs, but I see tears pool in her eyes. “Me, too, but if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.” Her chin trembles and she drops her gaze. A lonely tear slowly slides down her flawless cheek. I don’t wipe it away. She’s perfect in every state, and I want to bask in a rare moment of her vulnerability.
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life making you happy, fulfilled, and my priority. I meant what I said on our wedding day. Everything I have is yours, including this.” I take her hand and put it on my heart. “Everything else I own is just things. You can have all the money and everything it can buy, but this.” I press her hand to my heart. “This is the only thing that you can break. I’ve never trusted another woman with it, Cori, but I want to give it to you.”
Tears roll down onto her lips. She purses them before she licks the salty liquid away. Her eyes probe mine, and I know what she’s asking.
