He shakes his head.Still only bits and pieces. Some are clear as day, some are hazy, and some moments are just blank. But I know myself well enough to know that getting married in Vegas had to be my idea. That’s got Oliver Louis Jablonski written all over it. We’d been drinking and those margaritas hit hard. I know you never would have agreed to stand at the altar with me, or hell, stand in the same room with me, if we hadn’t been drunk and I hadn’t had a ‘brilliant’ idea. And now, you’re stuck with me, at least for the foreseeable future. There’s no way that was on your plan for this year, so…yeah. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.
His words are almost my undoing, but I manage to keep myself together.In case you’ve forgotten, Ollie, I’m not someone who responds well to authority. I don’t do things unless Idamn well want to, so don’t torture yourself with the idea that I’m some poor girl who got duped and now I’m stuck married to a hunky hockey player.
He brightens a little at that.You think I’m a hunk, huh?
You know you’re good-looking,I sign back.You don’t need me to feed your ego.
But you’re my wife, he signs.Isn’t that in the job description?
Playfully, I tap my finger against my chin.Hmmm…I don’t remember reading that in the brochure at the wedding chapel, so I’m gonna go with no.
Ollie sobers once again.Maybe we should talk about that.
The wedding chapel?I ask.
No, the job descriptions. I mean, we’re doing this, right? Coach and Val made it pretty clear that we need to look the part of the happy couple so that the media runs with the fairytale story instead of the dumb drunk decisions version. So, if you’re still on board with that, then we should probably lay some ground rules or at least make a game plan.
I’m absolutely okay with it,I assure him.I’m the one who asked you to trust me, right? I have my own reasons for making this marriage look legit, and their names are Jim and Carol. My grandparents are lovely people, but their expectations can be a little intense. They’re old-fashioned to say the least and they definitely think a woman’s place is right next to her husband. So, they’ve been introducing me to guys from their church in hopes that I’ll see the light and want to settle down and raise a family.
But you’re still in college. Isn’t that a little young for the marriage track?He glances down at our rings and shrugs.The typical one, anyway.
I’m pretty sure my grandmother went to college to get her MRS degree. Besides, they still see me as the wild child I once was, and if I come home from a weekend getaway—one they wanted to chaperone, by the way—with a whole lot of regret and a request for legal help to undo the mess I’ve tangled myself in, well, it will prove what theyalready know—that I leap first and ask questions later, that I’m still the girl who’ll do anything she’s dared to.
So you need my help as much as I need yours?he signs, his dark blue eyes filled with hope.
Probably more, I admit.I know your team wants to avoid scandal, but I bet some athlete at some school is doing dumb shit as we speak, which means that our spotlight will be stolen in no time.
Maybe,Ollie signs, shrugging.But my father’s memory is a lot longer than any average fan or social media follower. And while he may never give this marriage his blessing, it makes my life a hell of a lot easier if we stick with the script Val laid out. My dad doesn’t believe in the concept of true love, but he wholeheartedly believes I’m a loose cannon with no impulse control. If I walk back on my promises now, that pretty much proves his point.
I take a second to process his words, and I realize that Ollie and I have more in common than I ever thought. We’re both free spirits who struggle under the weight of other people’s expectations.
So, you talked to your folks today?I ask. I know he was planning to reach out them, so they heard the news from him first, but I wasn’t sure if he had a chance to call.
Yeah,he signs, wincing a little.My parents are aware I’m a married man now, and they weren’t exactly thrilled. Don’t take it personally. I come from a family of assholes.
I cringe.They took it that well, huh?
My dad said, and I quote, ‘Congratulations on your latest stunt’, and my mom asked if you’re pregnant. Those two are a piece of work and I’m sorry.
I frown at my very handsome husband.Stop. No more apologies. Their reaction has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with them. That’s a lesson I learned after my dad left. His issues are his, not mine.
Ollie leans back in his seat for a minute, like he’smulling over my words.What about you? Did you talk to your family? Aside from Booker, of course.
My dad and I don’t talk, and that’s for the best. I haven’t heard from Gran and Grandad yet, but I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say. I did manage to get a hold of mom and Emersyn, though.My cheeks heat when I remember the conversation with my sister.
Oh my God, are you blushing?Ollie asks.You are. Please tell me what Mama Zabek said to make your face turn that shade of pink.
It was Em, I admit.She, uh, asked me how big your dick is and if that’s why I said yes.
Ollie hoots with laughter, just like I knew he would.I like her already, he signs.
The flight attendant stops at our row to hand out snacks and drinks. Since Ollie has the aisle seat—and the longer legs— he gets to take the lead on that. As for me, I’m thinking about my mom’s reaction.
Mom was shocked that we leapt right into marriage without really dating , but what really shocked me was when she said that she always thought Ollie and I would find our way to each other. He’s been my brother’s friend for a couple years, and he’s spent time with our family over summer breaks and holidays. Mom told me she had a feeling we were perfect for each other.
That comment left me even more stunned than Emersyn’s did.
Ollie puts two bags on my tray table and smiles triumphantly. I look to see that he’s given me both bags of pretzels and taken the bland wafer cookies for himself.Best husband ever,he signs, pointing his thumb back at himself.
