Page 19 of Spending Forever With You

“I said a public place, Luke, and ain’t nothing public about my condo. Especially not when you call yourself just popping the hell up.”

“This ain’t a pop up when we have a date and I’m holding true to that promise. Get ready, it’s late but I know a spot.”

“It’s not a date. We’re having a conversation about this fucked up situation and Jimmy’s will.”

“Yeah, like I said, a date.”

I didn’t argue, just mumbled under my breath as I headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I wasn’t changing out of my night clothes though. These mini shorts and oversized T-shirt would have to do. Not even ten minutes later, I walked back into the living room where Luke was on the couch with his face in his phone.

Out of habit, I glanced at his screen and saw what he was doing. I didn’t know why I sighed in relief once I noticed he was watching highlights.

“Okay, where is this spot? I hope they don’t have a dress code or anything because I’m giving you the best of me right now.” I moved toward my foyer to slip on my slides and grab my purse and keys.

“Don’t worry about all that. You don’t even have to get out of the truck if you don’t want to.” He got up and walked toward me. For a second his words were lost upon me as I was whisked out of the door. It finally made sense when he walked us toward his truck, opening the passenger side.

My head shook immediately.

“Absolutely the fuck not. I prefer to drive myself.”

“You could, but this is easier and gives us a chance to talk privately about the sensitive issue. I promise no funny ass shit. There, convo, and back, Holls.” I blew a heavy sigh as I grabbed his hand, pushing myself up. Once I was inside, he closed my door.

He got in and it seemed like time passed slowly until I reminded him that he’d asked for this meetup.

“Luke, you’re on the clock.”

He cleared his throat.

“Right.

“Holls, I know this shit is fucked up, but I need you.” His tone was even but I sensed a bit of urgency behind his words. I turned my body to look at him.

“What do you want from me, Luke? And why now?”

“I need us to stay married long enough to sell the assets and settle the trust. I’ll give you everything if you pretend to actually still love me.”

There was my reason for not wanting to be around him.

I didn’t have to pretend to still love him. I had to cosplay hating him.

“Luke, I don’t want the money. Jimmy is your grandpa; you can keep it. Sell without me. I give you permission.”

“Holls, you think I want to be here begging you for anything? Trust, if I could, I would. You already know the process requires both of our signatures on documents and shit. Plus, the attorney said to keep this clean we have to be in a good status.” I laughed deeply.

“Well that’s not true, now is it? I haven’t spoken to you in ten years, Luke. Ten fucking years. And now you show up and I’m supposed to be what? You didn’t even call me when I filed for divorce.” I scoffed.

He let out a heavy sigh. “Please, Holls. It’s the house. I…we can’t lose it to Ray.”

“What do you mean lose it to Ray?”

Ray was his cousin we both hated.

“If we don’t meet the good standing requirements Jimmy put in for us and prove to be a loving, happily married couple, then the estate will pass to Ray.”

He can’t get the house, Hollis. That’s y’all’s house!

Ours?

No. Luke’s.