“You know what I mean, Oran. Why is it a secret?”
“It doesn’t matter anymore. We are married. Rehashing how we got here is pointless.”
I push my food aside because I’m becoming upset to where it’s hard to eat. He’s being evasive. I don’t like it.
“When you ask me questions, I answer. Why can’t you do the same?”
“I answer plenty. Just drop it. Okay?”
“Was there even a threat?” I accuse.
It’s the only thing that makes sense right now. The Hales have something to gain from the LeClaires. Maybe Oran was in on it the entire time, waiting to swoop in and get a win for him and his dad. All he’d have to do is to be mean then ease off until I trust him, then he could sweep me off my feet and make me fall until I don’t care about the prenup. I’d be vulnerable and shocked when he files for divorce and take their share of my dad’s real-estate.
Irritated steel burns a hole in my face as Oran focuses his full attention on me.
“What are you suggesting?” he prompts, daring me to continue.
“Was this the plan?”
“Yes, I’ve always aspired to marry a woman who’d question my trustworthiness after a week of marriage,” he deadpans and pisses me off more.
“So, tell me the ‘truth.’” I use air quotes when I say it. “Or are you working with your dad to lock me in that prenup?”
The slap of Oran’s hand hitting the counter echoes through the house as he roars. “Then why haven’t I fucked you yet?”
“I don’t know! You tell me. You’ve been mean from the beginning and now you want to act like you give a damn. What gives?”
Oran scrubs his hands through his hair. “I’ve had a long night. I don’t have the energy for this shit.” He grabs his plate to walk away then turns to look at me. “Had it occurred to you that I am just tired of fighting?”
I fold my arms. He’s said a lot of nothing since he has yet to answer my question.
“Then tell me.”
&nb
sp; His jaw clenches as he stares at me a little longer, then walks off without a word. The backyard door closes as I fight my tears. This has been one big emotional rollercoaster. I need a break. Time to clear my head and look at the big picture because I can’t see it. Push the tears away with the heel of my hand.
If he wants me to trust him, why can’t he trust me with the truth? I grab my keys and they jangle in my hand as I grab my purse.
He’ll have plenty of time to rest.
* * *
I’ve been gone for at least five days and no call or text from my ‘husband.’ I don’t know how to take it. Am I mad? Is he mad? Are we mad? All I know is I still don’t have any extra answers from him and I can’t get them bouncing between my sister’s houses, going to the spa, and having mini shopping sprees. I don’t know why, but his unwillingness to look for me stings a little.
How can I believe this all wasn’t his way to weasel things away from my family when he can’t be bothered to look for me? Now, I’m torn between returning to the house or just staying gone. I need a snack. Walking into Margot’s Cafe, I inhale the wonderful scent of everything sweet. I’m relieved to see Ainslee, the other half of the first set of the Founder’s children, forced to get married against their will. As the wife of Oran’s best friend, I suspect we will start seeing each other more if Oran and I don’t kill each other first. I frown, realizing that I miss his grumpy ass. It’s been harder to fall asleep without his warmth and all the thoughts having a field day in my head.
Part of me fears he’s already succeeded in making me care. Pushing the thought away, I greet Ainslee. If anything, she’s the only one who knows how I feel right now. Chatting with her and filling my belly with sugar made me feel better. Knowing that she and Jagger are still learning but are growing feelings for each other makes me a little hopeful, although I still don’t know Oran’s angle. But I remind myself that there’s only one way to find out. Maybe tomorrow.
Opting for fresh air, I walk through a nearby park to get to one of my favorite boutique shops. It’s great for finding like knick knacks for weddings and other events I’m in charge of coordinating. Like always, I stop on the sidewalk to look at the front of the widow display where the new or interesting things are placed. I smile at the little cherubs, my head immediately begins plotting out a heavenly theme for a baby shower when I feel someone near me. Soon, a shadow looms over me, forcing me to stand up straight.
“Hello, Karessa,” Elmer’s coo is artificially sweet. He reaches out and runs his gigantic hand over my shoulder. “Green is such a pretty color on you.” His blue eyes roam over me with far more appreciation than a father-in-law should have. “Then again, you’re always pretty.”
“Um, thank you.” I plaster on a fake smile. “I’d love to chat but I’m doing work for an event.”
Elmer grabs my arm as I pass him. He’s closer now, almost whispering in my ear.
“It’s a shame you disappeared at the wedding, I was looking forward to our dance.”