Missi catches our silent conversation, and I watch as the wheels turn in her head and she puts on her fake mask.
Ugh, I am so sick of this.
Taking my hand, she leads me over to him.
“Hey, Lennox, how are you? Haven't seen you in class lately,” he says, and then offers his hand to Missi. “Jason Wilkens,” he introduces himself, as she takes his palm and shakes it, before leaning into my side and placing her hand on my chest.
“Missi Kondum… soon to be Crane,” she replies with a huge smile. Jason's eyes widen as he looks at me.
“No shit. That's awesome. Congratulations, man,” he cheers, and I try to smile.
I'm so tired of playing pretend, and honestly, I don’t have the spoons to do this right now.
“Thanks. It was good to see you, Jason. I better get this one fed before she flips her switch,” I say, ignoring how Missi's nails are now digging into my skin.
“I get that,” he chuckles. I laugh and shake my head.
No, he has no idea how insane this chick really is.
Turning, I walk Missi up to the counter again and she places her order. I look around at the retro decor, searching for a free table. It's a lot busier than I expected.
This place is kinda cool though. Donny would love it… Shit, I can't think about them right now.
Tears fill my eyes and I blink them away before anyone sees. I don't have a right to be upset.
I'm the monster in this scenario. It doesn't matter that Missi tricked me. I should have known.
“All set,” Missi asks, standing in front of me, pulling me back to the here and now.
I nod and offer her my arm after taking the bag from her. I lead her to a small table for two in front of the big bay windows.
“This place is so cute, and Maggie, the girl behind the counter, said they can do a tasting at any time. We just need to walk in. How great is that, Lenny?”
“Yeah,” I mumble, pulling out her chair and waiting until she's sat before pushing it back in. I place the bag in front of her, then plop down in the other seat.
Missi moans obscenely as she pops open the container holding the cupcakes she ordered.
I roll my eyes and look out the window, watching the happy couples strolling down the street.
Not a care in the world.
“Lennox!” Missi snaps, pulling my attention back to her. There is a young, pretty blonde hovering over the table now.
I shake my head and yawn. “Sorry, I didn't sleep well,” I murmur, and she gives me a smile.
“Hold that thought,” she says, and walks back to the kitchen. Missi huffs, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting at me.
I shrug.
Sighing, she digs in her purse for her compact mirror and lip gloss, fixing her makeup. “Maggie said that we could taste test some samples now, since we are here, and they aren't very busy,” she explains, then blows a kiss at her reflection in the small mirror.
“Cool, cool,” I murmur, then place my shaking hands under the table, hiding them from view.
Being here is the last place I want to be, and I couldn't care less about wedding cakes. I have no intention of marrying Missi, but I know it's inevitable.
The girl returns with an espresso for me and a sweet tea for Missi. She places them in front of us and I thank her.
“So, what flavors would you like to start with? When is the ceremony? Winter, Spring…”
