“You won’t. I won’t let you.”
I shook my head. “How did I miss this about you before?”
She jerked back slightly. “What? Come on, Mo. When we married, we had our sights set on big things. You got complacent. Lazy. All I’m seeking is what we once dreamed of together.”
I wanted to tell her to fuck off. “I was running a ranch and a city, Shel. What did you do all day? Your nails? Gossip with the Junior League? Don’t you dare call me lazy.”
Her eyes narrowed for a moment, but then she checked herself and smiled. “I’m just saying you stopped thinking big. This is a great opportunity for you. Think about it, Mo.”
I wondered what she’d say if I told her I was married to Frank’s daughter. She’d probably have me arrested for marrying a girl. Then again, if she knew, she’d surely back off. Having a fake marriage to my friend’s daughter would surely be a scandal. Fortunately, I was looking for a quieter life. I’d retire from politics, finish my year-long marriage to Brooke, and then spend my days ranching. A few weeks ago, that idea was appealing. It was still appealing, except for the part of letting Brooke go in a year.
I sighed. “I’m not interested, Shelley. Frankly, I’m surprised you came all this way thinking I would be. I even told your buddy Quinn I wasn’t interested when he called.”
She arched a brow. “And yet, you came.” She leaned forward, her expensive perfume filling my space as her hand rested on my arm. “Don’t deny it. You’re intrigued. Why fight it?”
“I’m here hoping to get help for Sinclair Jones.”
“Who?”
“Deputy Mayor. She was Sinclair Simms but married Wyatt Jones.”
“Really?” she said, sounding intrigued. “You know, I always was a little jealous of her. I thought maybe you had a thing for her. But, she’s not running for governor, and we don’t get involved in small-town politics.”
“There’s that we again. Tell me, why are you offering to fuck me when clearly you’re with Quinn?”
She flinched. “It’s not like that with me and Quinn.”
I didn’t buy it. Maybe she didn’t want to marry him, but I suspected there were some benefits to whatever relationship they had.
Her eyes softened. “I’ve always hated what happened to us, Mo. I’m just trying to get all that back.” She picked up the fork at her place setting and reached over to take one of my ravioli.
Deciding to take her at her word, I said, “We had some good times, Shel, but that’s in the past. We’ve both changed, moved on. I appreciate you’re thinking of me as governor, but that won’t be happening. You and Quinn will have to find someone else.”
“Do you miss me at all?”
“Shelley…” I didn’t want to have to tell her my true feelings. I didn’t want her back, but I didn’t want to hurt her, either.
She pressed her finger over my lips. “Don’t say it. I miss you, Mo.”
She didn’t miss me, per se. There was something about me she missed. Perhaps it was my political ability. She’d always had her eyes on big things, but they were bigger goals than mine, which was why she left. Apparently, she hadn’t found anyone else who could carry her to the dream she wanted.
“Why don’t you run?” I said. “You’re smart. You don’t need a man to move you into the governor’s mansion.”
She smiled like I’d given her a gift. “That may be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
That wasn’t true. At one time, I’d thought the world of her, and I’d told her. It was a stark contrast to how I treated Brooke. If I was free to, the things I’d say to Brooke would pale to what I’d told Shelley. The guilt and self-loathing made my ravioli roll around in my stomach. I sipped my water to help settle it, knowing it would never ever settle.
20
Brooke
I barricaded myself in my office until it was time to meet Tucker for lunch. I left City Hall and met Tucker at his hotel. I gave him another big hug, feeling so relieved to have him in town. I hoped he’d be happy here. Salvation was a great place to live, but the smallness of the town wasn’t for everybody. After living so long in Chicago with its faster pace and more things to do, I hoped Tucker wouldn’t regret moving here.
We grabbed some lunch at a nearby diner, and for the first time since I started this fake marriage, I felt relaxed and happy.
“So, what do you think of Nebraska so far?” I asked as our burgers were served.
“So far, so good, especially the woman who helped me get the job.” He reached for the ketchup and poured some on his plate.