Page 131 of The Wright Man

"You're on a clock, Angel," he said gently. "Spit it out."

I swallowed and lifted my left hand to the camera. The ring glittered faintly in the light—modest, plain, barely catching reflection.

His smile vanished.

"That better be a promise ring, Ang."

I hesitated. "Gavin proposed. Right after the ceremony."

Maleek scoffed. "Of course he did. Couldn't even let your graduation be about you."

"Don't start, Leek," I said softly. "I'm happy."

He didn't answer. Just stared at me with that look—like he could see all the parts I wasn't saying.

I kept talking.

"We've been long distance for so long, we don't wanna wait. And I didn't want to get married without you there, so I picked a date during your leave—"

His eyes flinched. "You don't want to wait, or he doesn't?"

I didn't answer.

I couldn't.

"I don't wanna do it without you there," I said instead. "Please, Leek."

He let out a breath. "I'll be there. For you."

The way he said that made my whole body feel too tight in my skin.

"Thank you."

Right on cue, Gavin stepped into frame, slinging his arm around my shoulder like a leash.

"Hey, Wright. She tell you the good news?" he asked, holding up my hand to the camera like I was some prize he'd won.

Maleek didn't flinch. "Yep. Mazel Tov."

"You coming to the wedding, or are you too busy protecting our freedom?"

"I'll always show up for my girl."

That last part wasn't for Gavin. It was for me. Just for me.

Gavin grinned wider. "My girl, you mean. Til death do us part, right, Angie?"

He kissed my cheek like he was branding me.

"Gavin, stop."

Maleek nodded, sparing Gavin the driest, most dismissive glance I'd ever seen. "Right. I'll see you next month, Angel.

Tell Pee Pants and Hot Lips I said what's up, Riddle."

I heard Boyd groan and Theo call him an asshole in the background. Gavin's smirk dropped.

I smiled despite myself. "Bye, Leek."