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“I was just thinking…” I trail off, averting my eyes from our booth to the small dance floor in the center of the bar. Only one couple is dancing, holding each other in a warm embrace. They’re smiling at each other like if the world was ending, they would be happy to die right here, in each other’s arms.
The soft lull of the jukebox plays in the background, the neon signs hanging around the bar reflecting a soft glow on the glossy wooden floor.They look so beautiful together.They look happy.
This is the first time I’ve ever been jealous of two complete strangers, but I am.I envy what they have.I wonder what it would feel like to have a man spin me around a dance floor, not caring who’s watching… staring atmelike I’m his entire world.
“You’re clearly thinking about something,” Everett chimes in, pulling me from my thoughts. “And whatever you’re thinking about obviously has you upset.”
I just nod my head, giving him a half smile.
“Talk to me, Sky.” His tone softens as he fixes his ocean eyes on me.
“That’s rich coming from you,” I scoff. “It’s like pulling teeth to get you to open up about anything, but yetyouexpect me to tell you my life story.”
“I’m not asking you to tell me your life story,” he sighs. “Don’t be so dramatic. I’m just wondering what’s bothering you. In the past five minutes, you’ve completely lost your appetite, gone radio silent, and you’re staring off into space like a zombie. It’s like you suddenly just shut down on me… So, I have every right to ask you what’s going on.”
I take a deep breath, debating on if I should tell him what’s bothering me. I don’t know if it’s the cocktails I gulped down or the fact that I just need someone to vent to, but I let it fly.
“It just hit me that Elliot hasn't reached out to me today… not even once. I know he’s busy with work, but—”
“No.” Everett cuts me off in a gruff tone.
“Do not make excuses for him, Skylar,” he adds through clenched teeth. “He seriously hasn't reached out to you once? Not even a text?” His nostrils flare as he speaks.
“No, not even a text.” My voice comes out weak, barely a whisper. It’s embarrassing to even admit this to Everett.
He flexes his jaws as he inhales a deep breath, like he’s doing everything in his power to keep his shit together.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He asks.
“Are you really going to make me repeat myself?” I scoff, shaking my head.
“No, Everett,” I clip. “Myfiancéhasn't called or texted me once today. I could be dead on the side of the road, and he would have no idea. Hell, we’re basically stranded in the middle of nowhere due to a blizzard and he has no idea. So no, Everett. I am not fucking kidding you.” I narrow my eyes as I repeat his question.
He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, inhaling another deep breath as he shakes his head. His eyes flicker from me to the bar, like he’s not sure where to look, like he’s fighting an internal battle. There’s something he wants to say, but he’s struggling to get it out.
“What do you see in him, Skylar?” He asks, his tone laced with disgust.
“We’re not doing this again,” I rasp, shaking my head.
“No, I’m genuinely curious,” he retorts. “Tell me, what is it about my brother that you love? When he got down on one knee, what made you say yes? Is it his six-figure salary? His flashy Rolex? Oh, I think I know,” he adds, tapping his finger on his chin. “It must be his luxury car that he treats better than his own fiancé.” He’s speaking a mile a minute, his voice rising with each word. He’s about to cause a scene if he doesn't stop.
“Or is it—”
“Everett, that’s enough!” I scold, cutting him off through clenched teeth. “How fucking dare you act like I’m some gold digger,” I clip, narrowing my eyes to little slits.
“I could care less about what kind of watch Elliot wears or what car he drives, and you know it. So don’t insult me like that again.” My chest is heaving up and down with furious breaths. I can’t believe he had the audacity to accuse me of being so shallow.
“Enlighten me then, Skylar,” he snaps. “Tell me why you're with him… Because for the life of me, I can’t wrap my head around how someone like you, someone who spends their weekends volunteering at an animal shelter, could stay with a narcissistic, piece of shit like him.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, my eyes flickering back and forth between his. For what feels like an eternity, I just stare at him as he stares back, patiently waiting for my response. He’s not going to back down or let me out of this.
I’m speechless for so many reasons, but the biggest one is that I truly can’t think of a response to his question. When Elliot asked me to marry him, I wasn’t thinking about all of the things I loved about him when I said yes. As pathetic as it sounds, I was just thinking logically.
I always knew it was the fundamental next step in our relationship. Isn't that how life is supposed to go? Dating, engagement, marriage, kids, grandkids…death. The circle of life that society has dictated for years.
Elliot’s never really asked me what I love about him, and I don’t think I’ve asked him either. Of course, we’ve said those three little words a thousand times, but never on a deeper level. Honestly, I’m not even sure Elliot would know my favorite color if I asked him.
Why haven’t we talked about these things?How is Everett the only person who causes me to question everything?
