Page 40 of Say You Will

I squeal, mostly because I know that anything less will disappoint her. “That’s so exciting. You’re getting married.”

She nods. “The date is set for six months from now.Brock Randall.”

Pen’s green eyes flare wide when says her fiancé’s name, as though it’s someone I should recognize. Maybe he’s a pro athlete or something. I smile and try to appear impressed. “Cool.”

“Amazing, right?” With a shake of her head, Pen gives me a smile. “But look at you. I almost didn’t believe it when I saw your photos online from that wedding. You’re a whole different person.”

With effort, I smile and manage not to squirm. “I guess.”

“And to land one of the McRaes? Well-played. I always thought they saw you like a weird little cousin or something.” She crosses her legs, lifts her chin, and snaps her fingers at a server before pointing at our table.

“I’m not trying to land anyone. Henry isn’t—”

“Smart. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Everyone saw the way he was looking at you at that wedding. He’s completely gone for you. Just don’t let it go so far he gets bored.”

I shake my head, but our server, a young woman with a harried smile, stops by our table for our order. I mouth “Sorry.”

She winks back. “What can I get you?”

“A yogurt parfait and a glass of lemon water, please. I only have half an hour before I have to leave.” If I’d realized Pen would be so late, I’d have factored that into my plans. I need to get back to the penthouse, give Spencer, who’s become far more pleasant since Henry spoke with him, instructions for petsitting Oliver, pick up my prescriptions at the pharmacy, and pack before Gabriel arrives to carpool with me to Blackwater.

Pen gasps. “You’re leaving already?”

I flinch. “I’m sorry, but I’m heading out of state. I wouldn’t have needed to rush, but”—I fidget with the napkin—“you’re a little late.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh my God, these things are not set in stone. When someone says breakfast at nine, they mean nineish.”

“Yeah, sorry. I forgot about that.”

She gives the waitress her order, and when the woman walks away, she flicks her fingers at me. “Reschedule.”

I huff a laugh. “I can’t throw off everyone else’s plans for my own convenience.”

She frowns in confusion, like I spoke a foreign language. Finally, she readjusts in her seat and leans forward, rampant curiosity in her eyes. “So. Is it true you’re living with Henry?”

I freeze.How would she know that?“For the moment. We’re working together.”

Pen’s eyebrows lift, and she smirks. “Cozy. There were paparazzi photos online of you walking a dog together. Very domestic.”

“We’re friends,” I say.

She snorts. “Y’okay.”

My yogurt arrives, and after thanking our server, I dig in. Pen’s lack of consideration is the reason I have no time, and I need some kind of food to fuel me.

“What have you been up to?” I attempt to bring the conversation around to Pen.

She waves her hand. “I’m busy with wedding planning and redecorating. That sort of thing. How about you?”

“I’m working as a translator.” If I sound proud when I say it, I can’t help it. I love this job and the independence I’m building with it. Technically, I don’t actually workforHenry. At his suggestion, a separate company hired me, then contracted my services as a consultant. At the moment, Henry is myclient. He made a joke about public relations, but I definitely get where he’s coming from. Our history, friendship, and living arrangement muddy the waters. It’s not a perfect solution, but it helps, as does the paperwork we both signed acknowledging our personal relationship.

Pen wrinkles her nose. “I can’t imagine doing something so boring, but you always were weird about that stuff.” She waves a hand. “Whatever. Okay, never mind jobs. You. Look. Amazing.”

I spent every one of the years since I left boarding school being groomed by my mother. The love bombing and theMy Fair Ladymakeover of the first three months were exhilarating. The remaining years were exhausting.

I smile. “Thanks.”

“No really. You did the whole ugly duckling into a swan thing. All you need now is to have a little more work done.”

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