Page 40 of Lost & Found

“Well, I have a few ideas. I think we could add it would mean an adjustment to item number one.”

“I’m listening.”

She shifted the gun away and set it down. Rolling her shoulders, she gave me the look. We were done for the day. I sighed, then realized her reason was because she had a session with Marcel tonight. She would need to clean up and make sure everything was ready for tomorrow.

“How do you feel about America?”

“As in the United States?” She applied a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and began the wrap up process, still full of concentration.

“Unless you know something I don’t.”

“Why?”

I took a deep breath. She hadn’t shut the idea down, so that was good. “Hear me out. I’m in a bit of a bind. And I think your list is the answer. And technically, you’re not paying me for all the babysitting I’m going to need to do to keep you on track.”

“I’m about to say no. Get to it.” She raised her eyebrows as a warning.

“My buddy Chase is getting married. The entire dance group is invited. I’ve been friends with this guy for years. I’m the best man. I have to go.”

“Okay, that’s understandable. We can postpone some of the items or I’ll get one of the other guys to help me with completing it. Marcel didn’t give me an actual timeline. It doesn’t all have to be done in a week.”

“No, I was thinking you go as my plus one. Hannah will be there. She’s the maid of honor. This wedding has been years in the making. They’ve been engaged almost as long as Hannah and I were. So number one on the list is that whole road trip thing. Me—you—alone. Pretending to be a couple. What if we do it for the wedding instead?”

As I tried to sell the idea, I watched her expression carefully. There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes, followed by a thoughtful furrow of her brow. She tilted her head, considering the proposal.

“Look, it was foolish of me to say we were dating. I was only trying to save your ass from the crazy woman.”

“Yeah, but you did, and now she’ll gloat if I show up without you.”

“You know how I am when she is around. I’m not sure it would be a good idea. I’m not out to ruin a wedding and take on that level of bad luck. No, thank you.”

“She’s moved on—”

“Liar.”

“I swear it’s true.”

“Why not take Bunny or Birdie or whatever that club girl’s name is that the guys have been teasing you about?”

“It’s Bambi.” I smirked as she shook her head.

“Even worse. I’m sure Bambi would love to go and be your for real plus one. Just think of all the salacious things the two of you could do.”

“No, she’s still in training, nor would I want to subject her to the level of petty Hannah would dish out. She would be quick to point out what she does for a living.”

“And what does that have to do with anything? Brandi works her ass off, puts in fewer hours, and at least ends every night satisfied. Can Hannah say the same?” She fumed, which was exactly what I knew she’d do and why she was perfect. No one hated Hannah more than her.

“Bambi,” I reminded.

“Brandi sounds better. You say Bambi and I think of the poor deer who lost his mother.” Isabella sighed heavily. “If she’s moved on, then why is she this way?”

“Because she has always made every situation about her. There is no way she wouldn’t pass up a chance to make things uncomfortable. And moving on for her means becoming bitter. Which is better than the emotional mess she was before.”

What is going on behind those eyes? Was she apprehensive about being that far from home? How could I sell her on the excitement we could have exploring? Her silence stretched on, and I resisted the urge to say more. She was always the one who needed time to process new ideas. If I had to place a bet, I’d say she was making a list of pros and cons already.

“Talk to me. You can say no. I’ll still help you.” I clenched my hands at my sides, fighting the urge to touch her. My arm throbbed now that she was done.

“Okay, but you have to text me two more things for the list. I have an idea for one of the remaining spots, but I’m still weighing it. Might bring it up with Marcel first.”