Fake Marriage Box Set

“I think maybe her phone is off. She texted me last night, but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her today.”

I sat the glass down, put my hands on the counter, and dropped my head between my arms.

“Did you talk to her while she was home?” he questioned.

“What was I supposed to say? How’s Chris?”

“You know it is all a show on his end. You cannot be that stupid.”

“It isn't about me being stupid. It’s about the fact that she wasn’t upfront with me.”

“You are seriously mad because her mom flaked on her? The same mom that made it a point to ask how Chris was so you would hear it over the phone? The same one who kind of did the same thing to your face at dinner that night?”

“It's just happening all over again,” I muttered.

“Emmy is not the same person who screwed you over, and you have got to stop acting like a chick over this.” Ryan walked over and slammed his hands down on the counter. “You need to get your head out of your ass. I'm just telling you how I see it. I see you living in the past and jumping to conclusions because of it. Emmy has been through some pretty shitty relationships, and I seriously doubt she would actively try to hurt you.”

“And how the fuck do you know that?”

“I talked to her for months before she moved here. And we’ve talked since she arrived. We’ve talked about a lot of things.”

“I just don't know what to do.”

“Then I guess you had better figure it out.” He looked down at his watch and grinned. “The day is young. You can make it there before she leaves the office if you get your ass in the truck now.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Emerson

I was sick of crying over some guy who was just going to act like a dumbass for no reason. I had already laid in bed the night before having a pity party. The last thing I needed was to waste my energy on this crap; I needed to focus on driving in Portland traffic. I needed a pep talk. Hell, what I really needed was some girl time. I grabbed my phone and called the one person I knew who could give me just that.

“Hello Jello,” Rachel’s bright voice came across the phone.

“Hey.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I could hear the concern in her voice.

“Luke and I had a fight, and he thinks I am cheating on him.”

“Who the hell would you cheat on him with? It's not like you are in a place where there are tons of men. Oh my God, did you sleep with Ryan?”

“What? No!” I almost laughed.

“Too bad. I would have wanted all the details on that. That man is eye candy.”

“He thinks I'm cheating on him with Chris.”

“Seriously, what? Although, that dude has been crushing on you since high school. Does he still work for your grandfather?”

“He isn't crushing on me. And yes, he still works with us.”

“Girl, you must be blind not to see what I've seen. I've only been around him twice, and I know he wants you.”

“It isn't like that. I could care less what Chris wants.”

“I get that, but does he?”

“Rach, I know it's last minute, but I really need to get out of here for a few days.”