Chapter Twenty-Six
Gigi
A fter dinner, the guys took charge of cleaning up, giving us ladies a chance to retreat to the living room. We gathered around, glasses of wine in hand. Thankfully, when we laid out our plan, everyone was on board, agreeing to help with social media posts, participating in the wedding, and keeping our story straight. I felt a wave of relief as the conversation eventually shifted to lighter topics. But now, with just me and my two best friends, I brace myself for the flood of questions I know is coming.
Melonie settles into the recliner, exchanging a look with Audrey, who’s sitting beside me on the couch. The tension is palpable.
“We’ve got a lot of concerns about this, Gigi. You know that, right?” Melonie starts.
I sigh, nodding. “Yeah, I’m well aware.”
Audrey jumps in, her tone more pointed. “First of all, what the hell happened with Lewis? I can’t believe you didn’t tell us sooner.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, rubbing my forehead. “This week has been a nightmare.”
Audrey crosses her arms, her voice sharp. “Spill.”
I take a deep breath. “I came home and found him in bed with Sabrina.”
Melonie’s eyes widen. “Your employee?!”
I nod again. “Yep. Sabrina seemed apologetic, but honestly, screw her. And then Lewis dropped the bomb that he’s been cheating on me for a year.”
Audrey’s face tightens with anger. “A year? With Sabrina?”
“No,” I shake my head. “Not just Sabrina—different women. He didn’t even seem sorry. Then, he gave me twenty-four hours to move out. First person I thought to call was Marcus. He helped me get my stuff, and now I’m staying at his place. It was supposed to be temporary, but then… I suggested we get married.”
Audrey hugs a throw pillow tightly. “Wait, you suggested it?”
“Yeah,” I admit, feeling their eyes on me.
Melonie’s brow furrows. “I know you and Marcus are close, but this could get really messy, G. What if his dad finds out it’s fake?”
“He won’t,” I say firmly, hoping to convince both of us
Audrey shifts in her seat. “Okay, so let’s say you two move through this whole plan and everything works. Will it be hard for you when it’s over? I’m worried about how you’ll feel when it’s all said and done.”
I look up at the ceiling. “Marcus is my best friend. I’d do anything to help him, and we’ve both been really clear about what this is—nothing more, nothing less. We made sure there wouldn’t be any hurt feelings. When it’s over, we’ll both be free to find what we really want.”
Melonie’s eyes move from Audrey’s to mine. “We’re just worried because we don’t want you to get hurt. You’ll be with Marcus twenty-four-seven, so it’s going to be different than just hanging out as friends.”
“I know.”
Audrey looks in my eyes. “Our homes are always open if this all becomes too much.”
I nod. “Got it.”
We all sit in silence for a few minutes. I know my two closest friends are aware of my abandonment issues and while they’re right to be worried, I’ve made up my mind. I just need their support now.
Audrey places her head on my shoulder. “I’ll have Jax help Marcus with the proposal.”
I smile. “He already said he doesn’t need help.”
Audrey chuckles. “Of course he did.”
Melonie sighs. “So, when do we go dress shopping?”
The guys walk in from the kitchen, Linc poking fun at the wet spot on Jax’s t-shirt from doing dishes. The tension seems to be gone, thank goodness. Marcus smiles at me as he sits at the other end of the couch. His grin allows me to relax. First step complete, we won over our friends.