Page 90 of Wild Love

"I'll be there. Let me know if you need anything."

"Will do," she said with a smile as she stepped into the hallway.

"Have a good night." Then I forced myself to close the door without waiting for her response.

I plopped onto the couch and texted Chance and Marigoldjointly.

Eli: Marigold, I hope you know what you're doing.

Marigold: Why? What happened?

Eli: Scarlett was here.

Marigold: Oh? What did she want?

Eli: She never said. I wonder if she was going to apologize before she saw the blueprints.

Marigold: Did you stick to the plan?

Eli: I told her I was building a house and wanted kids.

Marigold. Eek! That's perfect. What did she say?

Eli: Nothing really. She didn't bring up our fight or apologize. I'm wondering if I should have said something about it.

Marigold: No! You did the right thing. You have to show her that you're cool with her doing her thing.

Eli: Shouldn't I tell her I love her and beg her to stay?

Chance: I think we have to trust that Marigold knows what she’s doing. When did you become such a wuss?

Eli: Just wait until you meet the woman who brings you to your knees.

Chance: Ha…Funny.

Marigold: Focus. Eli, you did the right thing. Scarlett's probably questioning her entire life right now. Now onto Phase 2.

Chance: Didn't know we had phases.

Marigold: Every good plan has phases.

Chance: You're kind of scary.

Marigold: There's a lot you don't know about me.

Christ. These two were worse than my parents when they bickered.

Marigold: Phase 2 is the going-away party. Your parents are on board. The food will be catered. Everyone in the town is invited and has been instructed not to ask Scarlett to stay or ask her when she's coming back. They'll wish her well.

I blew out a breath.

Eli: That's easy enough.

Marigold: You can't cave, Eli.

Chance: Yeah, Eli. Don't cave.

Before I could even respond to Chance's teasing, Marigold jumped in.

---