Chapter 6 #2
Tristan nods. “He’ll be a better player than me.”
While they come out to talk hockey in the living room, the Babes move to the kitchen to unpack the contents of Tristan and Rix’s cooler, setting up for fajita night.
“We should also discuss the fundraising gala for the library. We have two location options, and I’ve already secured some incredible silent auction items,” Hemi says.
The library where I work is my other current love. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and your willingness to help out with this,” I tell her. “I feel like your idea of a gala and Dorothea’s are not the same, and as a result, our profit margin will be substantially higher this year.”
Hemi nods. “Yeah, the Legion hall is cute for a stag and doe, but not the best if you’re trying to raise funds for programming.”
We toss around some ideas for the evening as we set the table.
“My contribution to dinner is still in the fridge at my place,” I tell the girls when we’ve finished. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll come with you,” Lexi offers.
She follows me across the hall, waiting until the door closes before she asks, “Is your life in danger?”
“No.”
“Did the two of you fall for each other at Callie’s hockey games?” Despite me already answering this, she seems hopeful.
He’s not a one-dimensional dick, but that’s not the same as being in love. “Also no, but I’m aware that aside from the way he plays hockey and the way the media portrays him, he’s a good guy.”
“He sits beside you every time.”
“He does,” I agree. “And I definitely find him irritatingly attractive.”
“He’s not my type, but he’s a good-looking man,” Lexi agrees.
“Yeah.”
We both nod.
“Do you know what Nate’s comment was about?” Lexi asks.
“You caught that, too?” I rub my bottom lip. “I just know Connor came to the rescue with the accommodations at Rix and Tristan’s wedding. If something else happened, I wasn’t told about it.”
“Me neither.” She props her hip against the counter. “So are you going to fill me in on whatever is going on here?”
“If I tell you, it has to stay between us.”
She rubs her baby belly. “As long as your life isn’t in danger, I can agree to that.”
I explain what happened, including the letter from the landlord, how I went to a lawyer for legal advice—it was the most expensive hour of my life—and Connor’s proposition this afternoon, including my relationship with his Meems and her health.
“So this is a business transaction.” She shakes her head. “Flip would help you out of this. So would Roman and I.”
“I know, but you also know I can’t accept that from either of you,” I reply. “It changes relationships. This is my best way out of the hole I’m in, Lexi.”
“There are other ways out that don’t include marrying Connor, though.” She tips her head. “So why did you really agree?”
It’s my turn to sigh. “I love his grandmother.”
Her eyes widen. “But enough to marry him? I’m not trying to be difficult,” she assures me. “I just want to understand. Tell me how it sounds to you.”
“Like I’ve lost my mind.” I play with the ring on my finger. “All these months I’ve been sitting next to him, watching him show up for Callie. And then I saw him with Lucy and it just…hit this place inside me. He’s broken, Lexi. Like me.”
“You’re not broken, Dred.”
I take my friend’s hand. “I am, though. The things I went through as a child shaped me in a way that means I don’t always fit with the rest of the world.”
Spending my first three years being raised by drug addicts who were always looking for their next fix was damaging in ways I can’t explain.
I spent three days in a house with two overdosed parents before the police came knocking.
The memories of that time are only fragments, but with time and age I’ve been able to fit them together like a puzzle I never want to finish. And they made me who I am.
“You fit with us,” Lexi says.
“I know.” My bottom lip trembles. “I’m so grateful for this family.
I love all of you, but I don’t know if I can ever fall in love the way others can.
All Connor wants is to make his Meems happy, and I needed a way out of this situation that wasn’t asking the people I love to save me.
So like I said, he and I both get what we want out of this.
Being financially indebted to the people I rely on for emotional support is…
” I shake my head. “Not something I can do. Asking friends for money unbalances the relationship, and Connor isn’t my friend.
” He’s an ally, and there’s a difference.
“So you’re marrying him.” She sounds concerned, not upset.
“For a finite amount of time, to make his Meems happy. He loves her so much, Lexi. She’s the only one in his family who seems to support him.
” I try to hear the words through her ears, but it’s impossible to separate myself from this situation.
I know in my heart this was the right call for me.
Not ideal, but the best option for the circumstances.
Honestly, when I give myself a moment to reflect, it’s kind of miraculous.
“Isn’t there another way around this that doesn’t include becoming his wife, even if it’s supposed to be temporary?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure, but I’ve already signed a contract, and I can’t imagine Connor’s lawyers would leave loopholes. I’m at peace with my decision.”
“It’s a tricky position to put yourself in,” Lexi whispers.
“I can handle it.”
“I just wish you didn’t have to.” She sighs and hugs me, hands settling on my shoulders as she steps back. “But I’ll be here to support you, however you need me.”
“Thank you.”
My phone buzzes with a new message from my fiancé.
Connor
Engagement party: Saturday, 2pm. Don’t worry about attire. I’ll take care of everything, including your transportation.