Page 40 of Kings Fear No One
Sydney serves me a large heap of the sizzling meat. I smile in gratitude, trying to feel more present in the moment.
The truth is, every time the bell above the door rings as it opens and someone new walks in, I’m tensing up. I’m glancing over with a racing heartbeat, questioning who it is that’ll enter. If it’ll be a customer looking to grab some Tex Mex or if it’ll be…
I close my eyes at the imagery of the Leader walking in.
His pale face gleaming in triumph, his icy gaze set on me. One second, he seems so real, then the next, he’s gone. He was never here in the first place.
“Tey?”
I blink to find both Sydney and Korine staring. “Hmmm?”
“Syd asked you how things are with Logan,” says Korine. Her tone’s gentle, her expression neutral.
Neither of them are judging me. Both have taken me out to spend time together and give me a change of scenery, something that’s different from Logan’s apartment. I just wish I could be more entertaining.
Sticking my fork in a slice of grilled chicken, I give a smile and shrug. “You know how it goes. We’re still getting used to each other. It’s a lot all at once.”
“So, I’m confused. You’re legally married? Did you choose each other at the… place?” Sydney asks.
“We… uh, we didn’t get to…” I try to swallow the slice of chicken, but it winds up a lump in my throat. I reach for my glass of iced tea, hoping to force it down. It takes me a few hard swallows to realize it isn’t the chicken. I clear my throat and try again. “Logan has been considerate. Comforting. It could’ve been a lot worse.”
Sydney and Korine exchange looks.
“I’m glad it sounds like you’ve been able to form a real bond,” Korine says. “Sometimes you find them when you least expect it.”
“You mean like me and Mace?” Sydney laughs. “We couldn’t stand each other when we first met.”
“Now look at you two. Engaged.” Korine reaches across the table to hold up Sydney’s left hand. “He did pretty good on the ring.”
“Please! I know he consulted you. Cash let it slip.”
“Blake would do that.”
I’m relieved to be more of a listener as Sydney and Korine laugh about their men. My mind wanders to Logan, wondering if he would ever confide in his brother and friend about an engagement ring. If he would ever get down on one knee and propose to a woman he loves.
We’re married, yet I’ll never know the answer…
“What about you and Cash?” Sydney asks, raising her brows. “Any proposals in the future?”
A small smile creeps onto Korine’s face, her short hair a perfect frame for the demure expression. “I just got divorced. I told Blake we’ll get married after Ken’s officially sentenced. He’s up for ten max. Five minimum.”
“Yesss! That’s cause for celebration on multiple levels.” Sydney snaps her fingers in approval to more of Korine’s laughs. “We’ll both be seeking marital advice from Tey.”
“Oh,” I say with a quick shake of my head, “I don’t have any advice to give. I don’t know anything about marriage.”
“You and Logan have decided to work it out, right?” Korine asks.
It’s a simple question I shouldn’t think twice of.
If Logan and I were really trying to make things work.
The annulment wouldn’t be hanging over my head. I wouldn’t have an inevitable bus ticket to Boulder with my name on it. Mama and Grandma Renae have made it clear the clock is ticking.
The marriage I’ve always dreamed of is fading away more by the day…
My eyes drop to the plain silver band on my hand that symbolizes the union Logan and I have. It was slipped onto my finger as tears rolled down my cheeks and I trembled in fear.
I’ve continued wearing it because it’s supposed to mean something.
