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Hell, why am I doing this to myself?!
Security, Jude. Lots of security.
After my time with Chase, I won’t have to work a day in my damn life if I don’t have to. Now, I’m not sure I’m that type of girl, but isn’t that the real American Dream? Passive income? From a fake marriage?
Yeah, maybe I need to write the next great American novel based on this fucked up situation.
“Although, I don’t know how you put up with him,” Caroline snorts. “And I don’t know how he puts up with you either!”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I say, with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, he’s so –” Caroline pouts her lips like she’s eaten something sour. “And you’re so –” She smiles and waves her hands in the air. “It’s like Captain Von Trapp and Maria. Without all the children, thank God.”
Her mention of children reminds me of the contract I’ve signed giving Chase fair use of mywomb and fertility.
That’s so cringe.
“Well, I guess opposites attract, huh?” I say and take a sip of my drink.
“It’s sort of romantic, you know, the paintings and the plants and the –” Caroline presses her fists over her mouth, eyes wide. “Can I help plan the wedding? And all the details?”
“As long as you have time to make it happen in like a literal month and a half. Chase is insistent we get the marriage license all signed, sealed, and delivered before his fortieth.”
She pats her hands on the table excitedly, throwing her head back. “Oh, this is the best. Now that I’m over the initial shock, this is just the best!” She stops and narrows her eyes at me. “I’m your maid of honor, right?”
“Goes without saying.”
She goes back to celebrating. And for a second, I get lost in her celebration too. Maybe this can be fun, even if it’s not real. Maybe I can give into the real feelings of the excitement of a wedding, the celebration of two families coming together –
Reminds me I have to tell my parents about all of this. Yikes.
“Okay, okay, okay. I’m in charge, it’s decided,” Caroline says, twirling her blonde ponytail.
I grin. That’s one thing off my plate.
Caroline’s face gets very serious. “But we need to talk aboutGram.”
I don’t like that face. That’s the face that comes with bad news. “What about Gram?”
“Well, you know, Gram has always loved you.”
I nod.
“And she’s always been good to you, right?”
“Yeah, I’d say so.” Adele Gladstone is an intimidating woman, that’s for sure. But she’s always welcomed me with open arms, ever since my mom was one of her housekeepers back in the day.
Caroline smiles except there’s no happiness behind it. It’s awarning. “Right. Well, now that you’re going to be a part of the family, you’re going to get a whole new side of Gram.”
“I am?”
“Don’t get me wrong, Judy, you’ve always been a part of the family –” Ever since I came home from college and told Caroline I wanted to go by Jude, she’s almost always respected my wishes. She only calls me Judy when she has a very serious message to get across.
Oh no.
“But you haven’t been a Gladstone. And once you’re a Gladstone, that means Gram is going to have free rein to do and say whatever she pleases to you.” Caroline points at the little pastry bag on the table. I nearly forgot about it. “Morning bun?”
“All yours.”
