“The first thing on the list is dress fittings,” Carolyn announced.“We have to make sure we didn’t pack on too much weight drinking and stuffing ourselves on the boat.”
“I’m pretty sure I’ll need some alterations,” Tina said.
Shaking her head, Joyce sighed.“No!Not that.Marissa.What happens between you and Beau?”
All eyes went to Marissa as she stiffened.“Um.”She licked her bottom lip as she considered her answer.She swore she could still taste him there.
“Are you going to see him again?”Carolyn pressed.
Swallowing hard, she tucked some of her hair behind her ear and nodded.“Yes.We’re supposed to have dinner at the hotel tonight.”
A chorus of oohs rang through the car as though this conversation wasn’t had in their presence.They did this far too often.
She rolled her eyes.“We are taking things as they come.This week I’m in Florida, but next… who knows what will happen.It’s a completely different ballgame after the wedding.”
Joyce nodded.“Of course.”
“Don’t stress too much about it,” Tina said.“Just go with the flow and see where life takes you.You never know what the next few days will bring.He might be a complete asshole now that we are on land.”
Carolyn whipped around and slapped Tina playfully on the arm.“Don’t you dare.I like Beau.”
“I’m not saying he is.”Tina half chuckled as she rubbed at her arm.
“You’re putting it out there.Don’t manifest negative stuff,” Carolyn cautioned.“It’s wedding week.Only positivity from now on.”
Tina glared.“I’mpositivehe has the potential to be a dick.”
Marissa could only laugh at her friends.They were as invested in what happened between her and Beau as she was.She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.Would they be disappointed if things fell through next week?She couldn’t handle everyone being brokenhearted if Beau turned out to be lying or flaky.It’d be bad enough for her to manage, but for everyone else?That was too much responsibility.
“I have no expectations.If he makes an effort, I will too.”
The lie fell from her mouth without a thought.Hopefully, though, it would put an end to the discussion.
She wanted to be in that position.If only she were slightly detached and ready for failure, but the truth was, she craved for it to work out.She wasn’t sure how, but she’d already gotten attached to Beau.Marissa needed to find a way, and if they couldn’t, she didn’t want to admit to just how devastated she would be, considering she’d only known him for four days.
Carolyn had decreed only positive vibes from now on.Closing her eyes, Marissa took a deep breath and willed herself into optimism.
Manifesting.
37
Beau
AsBeaupulledintothe apartment complex, he noted Megan’s car was in the spot.Either she didn’t get his message, or she didn’t care.Either was typical of her.As he parked in a visitor’s space, he turned off the engine and closed his eyes.Squeezing the steering wheel, he prepared himself for whatever shitstorm he was about to walk in on.
It couldn’t be worse than witnessing Jordan’s bare ass as he banged Megan.Everything else paled in comparison.He’d get in and get out.No conversation was necessary.
Would she be pissed?Apologetic?Maybe she’d ignore him like she had his message.That would honestly be the best situation, considering she couldn’t see fit to give him privacy.Did she think he would steal something?She had to know him better than that.He wasn’t petty.Megan, on the other hand…
Shaking his head, he climbed out of the car.Beau wouldn’t screw her over.It didn’t matter what she did to him.He only wanted to get out of this and not look back.
Standing at the door, he held his key to the knob and inhaled deeply.He wasn’t sure what waited for him on the other side, but it didn’t matter.In an hour, this chapter of his life would be behind him.This life, this mistake, everything would be over once he collected what he needed.
Shit, he should’ve brought boxes.He didn’t have that much stuff.Did he?No.He was fine.Garbage bags were fine.Anything that was worth taking with him he’d already stowed in the trunk of his car.It would be fine.He could do this.
Sticking the key in the lock, he turned and entered the apartment.Glancing around, he found the space dark and quiet.
Too quiet.
