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Still, I bet she didn’t predict what happened between her best friend and me.
“About that whole friendship thing.” I sit up straighter and shove away any hesitation, the way I do with most things in life. “Charlie and I got married.”
While Paige’s eyes grow wide, Dash’s narrow. Both of them showing disbelief in their own ways. Before the pair can start with their interrogation, I keep talking. I lay out my meeting with Uncle Mike, the dollar amount, and how this is the quickest way to get it and get Leo free of the criminal situation.
“Plus, Wai Po was right. I hate the idea of our dad getting the money. That’ll be a nice bonus,” I finish.
At some point during my explanation, Dash buries his face in his hands.
Paige, however, stares directly at Charlie, the two of them having a silent discussion with a connection only years of friendship can create. I turn my attention to my fake husband, wondering if I’ll be able to translate just from his face.
I can’t. And for some reason, I get hit with a spike of jealousy.
But that’s ridiculous. Charlie and Paige have been friends since they were kids, and I’ve barely known the guy for a few months. Of course, the two of them have an understanding of each other that borders on telepathy.
Suddenly, Charlie grins wide, the sudden exposure of his teeth stealing my breath. The man has a smile that can stop a heart. Or restart it.
“Okay. Felicitations.” Paige raises her glass of water, joy coloring her expression. “How can we help?”
“What?” Dash drags his hands from his face, glaring at the three of us, but mainly at me. “You can’t be serious. This is ridiculous.”
“Clowns are ridiculous. This plan is full of potential.” Paige pats Dash’s knee, but the gesture is lost on him as he continues to scowl at me.
“We need to talk. Outside.” My brother shoves up from the couch and storms out the back door.
“Luna—” I wave off Paige’s concern and press on Charlie’s shoulder as I get up, both for balance and to keep him in his seat.
“I’ll deal with him. We’ll be back.”
As I move to step around Charlie, his knees sticking out as a barrier, there’s a pressure on my hand. I glance down to see he’s grabbed it. He gives a light, comforting squeeze before letting go.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” And funnily enough, that small display of support eases tension in my spine.
At least, until I get outside and face an enraged little brother. Well, younger brother to be more accurate, since Dash is a good foot taller than me.
Damn him and his genes.
“This is a joke,” he growls. “Please tell me this is a joke.”
“It’s not. Deal with it.”
“Deal with it?” Dash paces along the edge of the back porch as the two dogs in the backyard watch him. They must have worn each other out because both have sprawled out in the grass, panting heavily, without showing any indication of getting up to say hello.
That’s probably better.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this! I thought you were smarter than this.” My brother says this like I’m the irresponsible one in the family.
My calm demeanor chips away at his accusatory tone.
“This wasn’t some drunk Vegas wedding. Charlie and I talked it out, and he agreed to help. I don’t know why your boxers are in such a twist.”
Dash throws his hands up. “Maybe because my sister got married to a stranger in a futile attempt to save our delinquent brother who doesn’t want to be saved!”
“Get your head out of your ass,” I hiss back. “Charlie isn’t some stranger. He’s your wife’s best friend. And you’re naive if you think Leo doesn’t want out as bad as you did. But Uncle Mike has him in a chokehold. He’s in deeper than you ever were.” I stare Dash down, but he just laughs without humor.
“That’s a fantasy.”
