Marriage of Unconvenience

I just needed to scrub myself of all this sentiment and get back to what mattered: getting her moved in and getting that money so she could put down her deposit for school. I would sleep so much better when we had that check in our hands and we could move forward with our lives. I’d worry about the annulment later.

Closing my eyes, I tried to wipe away the day, but it wasn’t happening. Little moments kept popping up: the moment before Cara had kissed me, the way she held me when Zane was taking our pictures, the way she’d sung to me as we’d danced, her smile when I shoved the cake in her face.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this happy and content. No one could have a better wedding day than Cara and I’d had, and it wasn’t even real. Best wedding ever.

So why did I feel like I was going to cry, and not from happiness?

The next day we both slept in and woke up around noon. I had finally fallen asleep, but it had been troubled and unsatisfying. After she left, I was probably going to try and nap. When I opened my eyes, I found Cara on her side, her eyes fluttering open.

“Hey,” I said, not sure what to say to her.

“Good morning, newlywed.” Her smile was lazy and slow and sent a shiver down my spine. She still didn’t have anything but her bra and panties on and the sunlight glinted off her shoulder. The way she had the blankets tucked around her, you couldn’t tell if she was wearing anything at all.

I shouldn’t be thinking about Cara naked. It was both weird and wrong. Friends didn’t think about their friends naked.

“Yeah, I guess we are,” I said, stretching. My body was sore everywhere from all the dancing.

“I don’t want to get up,” I said, turning onto my back.

“Me neither. I wish we had room service, but the closest thing is getting delivery, but one of us still has to get up and get it.” I sighed.

“But if we don’t get delivery, then we have to make food. Making food is terrible and should be avoided.” She nodded.

“You’re right. Okay, I’m ordering and paying if you agree to put on pants and a shirt and get the doorbell when it rings.” I turned and met her eyes.

“Deal.”

We shifted closer to each other in bed, and it was hard to make sure my skin didn’t touch hers. My long shirt had ridden up while I’d been sleeping, and I kept trying to pull it down so I was covered. Her thigh brushed against mine as she moved closer so we could look at brunch options on her phone. I pretended not to notice.

“I’m craving something really good. Biscuits and gravy? With bacon? And maybe some hash browns?” I was trying to follow what she was saying and keep my eyes on the phone screen, but it wasn’t easy.

“Sounds good,” I said. It actually did. I was ravenous and wanted something comforting and warm. Cara placed the order and then continued to scroll through her phone. I couldn’t handle being in bed next to her anymore, so I got up and put on some yoga pants.

“Where are you going?” Cara asked when I opened the door.

“To pee?” I said. She looked up from her phone.

“Oh, right. I hope everything comes out okay.” I stuck my tongue out at her and went to the bathroom. When I was done in there, I made a trip to the kitchen to put on some coffee for both of us. I nearly jumped out of my skin when a hand touched my shoulder.

“Hey, do you have any of the hazelnut creamer?” Cara asked as I stood there with my hand on my chest.

“You scared me,” I said, catching my breath.

“Sorry,” she said, and I turned to find her still just wearing her bra and panties.

“You might want to put something on. I have neighbors.” I gestured to the windows that were only half-covered by curtains. They could definitely look right in if they wanted.

“So?” Cara said, shrugging one shoulder and going to the fridge.

“So do you want them to see you like that?” I asked. She pulled out the creamer and did a little twirl. I had to stop looking at her. I turned to the coffee maker and stared at that, as if staring would help the coffee get made faster.

“If they want to look, I don’t care. I mean... whatever. I guess I’m old enough to not really care about modesty.” Well, I sure did and I wanted her to put some damn clothes on.