Page 198 of The Wife Situation

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he asks, and I step aside, allowing him in.

“I’ve been expecting you,” I say, but notthisquickly.

I thought we’d have at least made it to Arizona before they caught up with us. I guess Brody is worth every penny. If, by some miracle, I get my job back, he’s getting a raise.

Lexi sits up and smooths her hair down.

“There are missing persons reports out for both of you. Do you know how many people are worried? People believe you’re …” He doesn’t finish.

Dead.

I glance over at Lexi, and she understands what he’s inferring.

Brody turns to me. “You need to return to New York immediately.”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Does my mom think—” Lexi tries to ask.

“Yes,everyonedoes. The conspiracy theories have gone from fake relationship to misunderstood couple who wanted love to conquer all. Not to mention what Carlee did.”

Lexi pulls her hair up into a high bun. “Oh no, what did she do?”

“She released everything from text message conversations to pictures she took of you two together. It’s all anyone is talking about right now. It’s a tribute to your love; since you’ve been gone, she’s interviewed everyone who has seen you two together—from the flight attendant to the random drivers to the man who married you in Fiji. Handfuls of people. Her journalistic research is top-notch. You both need to leave.”

I suck in a breath as he hands me plane tickets. “I’m not fucking going.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “I knew you’d say that. Weston told me to tell you it’s time.”

45

LEXI

It’s the first time I’ve flown first class. The plane is empty, considering it’s so early in the morning.

Easton always allows me to have the window seat, and as we lift into the sky, I take his hand in mine. His thumb rubbing across mine comforts me. I suck in a deep breath, not knowing what we expect when we land. We still haven’t turned on our phones.

“What’re you thinking about?” I ask, seeinghim, knowing he’s tumbling in his head.

We might have started as a lie, but our reality changed before we were married.

“You.Us,” he says, leaning in, his voice low. “I don’t remember what life was like before you.”

“Based on your tiny moments,boring.” I smile, thinking about his drawings and how much they’ve changed since we’ve been together. “I agree though. I wasn’t living until you.”

He chuckles. “You’re the adventure I’d take a million times over.”

I squeeze his hand tight as he leans in and paints his soft lips against mine.

“I’m sorry for our trip getting cut short. I promise to make it up to you.”

I smile. “Gives me something to look forward to.”

I must’ve fallen asleep because when the plane touches down, I wake up. Easton squeezes behind my neck, gently massaging me.

We deboard and walk through the airport, holding hands. His Ray-Bans are on and he’s wearing his baseball cap, sporting a beard. I love how he can still change his appearance like a chameleon.

He grins at me as we walk past the dancing fountain with lights toward the pickup area.

---