Page 60 of Married to Lies

“It’s very cold out,” I commented to Divian.

His confused look in the mirror verified just how strange the words sounded coming out of my mouth. I didn’t do small talk. But he said, “Can’t complain too much when you have heated seats.”

My lips twitched. “Fair.”

Looking out the window, I wondered how Rei communicated so effortlessly without a goal in mind. I had no idea what to say next. Wasn’t it Divi’s turn to ask a question?

He turned the car into the evergreen tree-lined parking lot and The Greenhouse came into view. The building, made mostly of glass and filled with plants and twinkle lights, stood out against the darkening sky like a beacon.

Headlights shined in through my back window, and I checked behind us to see Steve’s car. I hated to admit his presence made me feel more at ease, especially with Simon’s poisoner still not found. Round-the-clock security wasn’t cheap, and yet we couldn’t afford to be exposed with so much on the line. So I waited until I saw him park and get out of his car, then I exited my own vehicle and went inside.

The host recognized me instantly, saying, “They’re at the usual table.”

I nodded my understanding and wound my way through waitstaff and patrons to the high-top wooden table in the back corner of the restaurant near the exit to the outdoor nursery.

As soon as I saw the guys, I had half a mind to turn around and go home. The tension between my co-founders was visible from here. Bryce and Jude sat as far apart from each other as humanly possible. Jude’s jaw clenched tightly, his hands balled in his lap while Bryce’s shoulders were pulled taut as a bowstring ready to snap.

Aaric had his hands splayed on the table in a peacemaking gesture, although his foot tapped quickly on the chair’s footrest. A subtle tell that he was at the end of his rope. Cruz lifted his glass to his lips, drinking deeply. I was relieved a beer already sat next to Aaric, waiting for me with foam spilling down the side and forming a small puddle on the roughhewn table.

“Hey, guys,” I said as I sat down and took a swig. “I’ve got some news.”

Thankfully, the mood shifted from hostility to curiosity. Cruz even joked, “News isn’t usually a good thing with us anymore.”

A wry chuckled passed through Aaric’s lips. “True, unless you’re going to tell us they found out who poisoned Simon.”

“No.” Although that would have been good news. I said, “I’m getting married. To Rei.”

“Who’s Rei?” Jude asked with a confused look. At the same time Bryce said, “She agreed!” with a broad smile on his face.

Cruz hopped up, nearly spilling the little beer left in his glass. “The hot janitor!” He came around the table, patting my back. “You did it!”

My neck felt hot with embarrassment, but Aaric added, “I knew you could find someone. You’re a great catch.”

That was almost more embarrassing. Like something my mom would say.

Jude lifted his glass. “Two down, three to go.” Everyone fell silent as he took a long drink of the amber liquid until his tumbler was empty. Before he even set it down, he was looking around for a server. He waved at one, twirling his finger in the air for another.

It used to piss me off that he did that. I didn’t eat out much when I was a kid, but my parents drilled please and thank you into our skulls. It still annoyed me, but at least I knew he tipped well enough to somewhat make up for his demanding personality.

“Are we invited to the wedding?” Cruz asked.

“Yes, but you’ll have to miss the New Year’s party in Breckenridge because the ceremony’s happening on New Year’s Day.”

The guys fell silent for a moment. Even the server was quiet as she brought Jude his second drink and quickly left again.

Bryce broke the silence. “That’s less than a week away.”

Aaric seemed worried. “Are you sure you want it to happen so quickly?”

“Yeah,” Cruz said. “What happened to February?”

Jude laughed darkly. “What does it matter, January or February?”

He had a point. “With everything happening, Rei and I thought it would be safer to get it out of the way quickly before Simon’s children can plan yet another attack.”

Aaric’s face was drawn and pale as he nodded. “It’s hard to think of putting someone you care about at risk.”

My chest felt tight at his words, but Jude bitterly said, “Good thing you’ve only known her a day. Can’t be too attached yet.”