Fake Marriage Box Set

“Yes. Don't even finish that sentence. You can help me dress shop.”

“Okay. I'll catch a flight out this evening. I’ll text you later with details.”

“Sweet! You know these doors are always open to you. Call me before you leave.”

I hung up the phone, did a quick search online, and booked my flight. I packed a quick bag and walked out the door, locking it behind me. I wanted to at least see him before I left, but I also knew that seeing him would make no difference. He’d been ignoring me for the past two days, and nothing had changed since I’d gone to bed the night before.

I backed out of the driveway and took off toward Portland.

***

After a long day at the office, I walked up to the ticket counter and checked in for my flight to LAX. I would fly from there to Maine. I needed a break from my reality. I needed to get away from everything that was going wrong in my life, and this was the only way I knew to do it.

My friendship with Chris had been around a whole lot longer than Luke and even though I was willing to give up everything for him, I wasn't going to start a relationship with him telling me who I could and couldn't talk to.

I looked at my phone and thought about sending Ryan a message but decided against it as it would probably end up in Luke’s ear.

I sat in LAX looking around and people watching, wondering if the people who passed were happy. The last couple of weeks had been easy and fun. I hadn't known life could be so simple. And then it was gone. I was angry at Luke. No, I was livid.

If he had only talked to me about it, it may have been different. I called my grandfather to ask what he thought about me moving to Portland now and finishing my grant there while I continued to work for him.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Granddad.”

“Hey sugar, how are you?”

“I'm good. I decided to fly up to Maine and see Rachel.”

“So you won't be in this week?”

“No. But everything is taken care of. Once the last panel is in at Salston, we can finish the last job of the month.”

“Good. I assume Chris is handling everything while you’re gone?”

“I haven't talked to him and would prefer not to right now. I left instructions with John. He’s going to assist Chris with what needs to be done.”

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

“I just need a few days to clear my head. I have some personal stuff going on, and I just...” I sighed loudly.

“Did Chris do something?”

“I don't think he did directly, but Luke isn't too fond of him for some reason.”

“Luke is special to you, and you are to him. So, of course he isn't going to be fond of any other man who spends time with you.”

“But Chris is only a coworker.”

“That you have lunch with on a regular basis and from what your mother has said also dinner.”

“It isn't like that.”

“How would you feel if the tables were turned?”

“I wouldn't hold it against him. Chris and I have known each other forever, and he has worked for you for years. I just don't see what the problem is.”

“Maybe you should talk to Luke.”