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Back to this fake arrangement where I’m simply a contract and little more than the business transactions he makes on a day-to-day basis.
I got the car, which is an absolutely beautiful white Porsche, but it felt more like a perk for being with him. Like a benefit from a job.
So, how am I?
The truth is I feel like absolute shit.
“I’m okay.” My tone is plain. Gina can usually see through my lies, but I pray she’s not well enough to do so today.
“Just okay? Girl. I have been fighting to come back to you so we could have a good old chat about your Jericho.” She beams. “Getting married is big, exciting news.”
I smile back to keep up appearances, but what I really want to do is throw myself into her arms and tell her the truth. Tell her about the newest hole I’ve dug for myself.
“I know. I’m just a little tired. I did some extra practice this morning at the studio.”
“River, you need to slow down. Especially now that you don’t have to work so hard to take care of me.” She brings her hands up to her cheeks. “I still can’t even believe this is possible. That I’m here after receiving lifesaving surgery, and you’re getting married in a handful of weeks.”
“I know. It’s crazy, right?”
“Yes, it’s completely crazy. I am eternally grateful to him for all he’s done for us.” She nods, showing that gratitude. “But is everything okay with you guys? You never told me you were even dating him again.”
“After what happened in the past, I didn’t want to say anything. I wasn’t sure how serious we were.”
“Well, he must beseriouslyserious about you if you’re getting married in a few weeks.” She reaches forward and takes my hand.
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “He’s serious, alright.”
“How has your father been?” She bites the inside of her lip. “He’s been colder than fish when he’s come by to see me. I might have been out of it, but in my lucid moments, I remember him looking like he was ready to kill someone.”
“Things have been hard with Dad, and he’s worried about me becoming a Grayson, but this isn’t about him.”
“It’s not about him at all, and I’m glad you’re being so firm, because I know how devastated you were when you and Jericho broke up, but, sweetie, I have to confess that I’m worried about you becoming a Grayson, too.”
“There’s nothing to worry about.” I spread my smile wider.
“I’m sure there’s not, and no one is more ecstatic than me, or as grateful, but this wedding is just so… sudden. This time last year, you were still engaged to Sasha. How are you feeling about that?”
It’s best I don’t think about that part.
“I understand your concerns. After the whole ordeal with Sasha, I never expected to get involved with anyone ever again, let alone be engaged, then Jericho came along like some knight in shining armor.” God, it’s so hard to lie to her, especially when Jericho isn’t exactly one of my favorite people at the moment. “He wanted to get married right away. He felt that the years between us was long enough to wait.”
“Eight years is a long time, but it hasn’t escaped me that Jericho helped me just in time, too.” She tightens her grip on my hand. “You know I would never want you to marry someone with money just to save me.”
It wouldn’t be like her to not be suspicious. I was waiting for her to say something like that. It makes me wonder if she’s been talking to Dad. He’s been saying stuff like that, too, only harsher as he drops his snarky comments he doesn’t expect me to reply to. I might if I felt stronger, but the arguments aren’t worth the stress. Especially when I’m already dancing way too close to the edge of sanity.
“No, Gina, it’s nothing like that.” I try to say that with as much assurance as possible.
She taps my hands, looking relieved. “Oh, good, then I’m glad. I know you’ll do anything for me.” She holds my gaze. “I love you for that, but I don’t want you to do anything that will cost your happiness.”
I nod, understanding, but my happiness is a small price to pay.
Everything good I have in this world came from Gina. All my achievements are because of her.
When Mom died and Dad wanted me to stop dancing, it was Gina who fought for me to keep going. She took me to my classes and paid for my lessons. She made sure I had everything I needed.
And it was her who gave me hope when she saved me from my captors. I will never forget being seconds away from death, then hearing her voice on that phone confirming she’d gotten the money they demanded.
So, yes, I will do anything to save you, Gina, including marrying my ex.
