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“And this will be on my record forever. If anyone else comes along, I’ll have to legally tell them about this before we decide to get married.”
“It’s going to be fine.”
“I woke up to some stranger this morning with a ring on my finger and I can’t remember what happened.”
My jaw trembled as Jessica ran her hand up and down my back. I allowed my fear to take me over just for a second. I needed that moment. That vulnerable, scared little girl deep within me needed to rear her head just enough to feel as if she had been acknowledged. I wrapped my arms around my best friend and pulled her close, burying my face into her neck. I let my tears fall. I let my body tremble with fear. I stood there with her, allowing my mind to race and fall blank as it needed to.
Then, I drew in a deep breath and took a step back.
“You okay?” Jessica asked.
“As okay as I’m going to get for now. The only thing we can do is keep going forward and keep our mouths shut.”
“Mine’s very shut. Don’t worry.”
“Okay. And thanks for talking with me.”
“Always. You want to get back to the gambling?”
“Actually, no. I’m going to go upstairs and take a nap. Maybe lock myself in before I do so.”
We both shared a giggle before Jessica ran her hands up and down my arms.
“Well, if you need anything, call
me. I’ll come by your room and check on you this afternoon if you don’t resurface, okay?” she asked.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Always, girl.”
I hugged her one last time, then I made my way for the elevator. I needed to be alone. To process my thoughts. I needed to not be drinking or gambling or doing anything that might put me around a situation that could alter my state of mind. I walked over to the elevators and pressed the button, anxious and ready to get to my room.
Then, I felt a strong and familiar hand wrap around my arm.
“We need to talk,” Everett said.
Then, he ushered me into the empty elevator before the doors closed behind us.
SIXTEEN
Everett
“Is something wrong?” Andrea asked.
I dropped her arm as soon as the doors closed so I could push down the electricity rushing through my fingertips at the feel of her skin.
“I saw you talking with Jessica,” I said.
“And?”
“You told her, didn’t you?”
I watched Andrea chew on her bottom lip as I reached over and pressed the button for our floor.
“I thought we agreed not to tell anyone,” I said.
“I mean, yes? But, I didn’t react the way I needed to when that woman called me your wife, and Jessica caught on. What was I supposed to do? Lie to my best friend? Would you have been able to lie to your brothers if it was you?”
