Page 27 of The Friend Situation

“You also don’t play nicely with others,” I quip.

She laughs. “That’s why I’m single. It’s probably why you are too.”

“Oh, I’mverykind. Attentive.Loveto please,” I insist.

Carlee nearly chokes but recovers, forcing her food down with a gulp of wine.

“Are you okay?” I ask, ready to perform the Heimlich maneuver if necessary.

She gives me a thumbs-up while coughing. “It went down the wrong way. I’m good.”

Lexi glances between us, an amused look on her face. “You two are getting married.”

“Really?” I placate her. “How long do I have before the wedding?”

Lexi tilts her head. “You’re in phase one right now. I’m guessing it’ll be within six months.”

Carlee’s brows knit together, and her smile fades. “Wait, you’re serious.”

“Of course I am,” Lexi confirms.

Carlee bursts into laughter. “You believe I’ll marry Weston within six months? Lex, he’s not even divorced yet. Who knows how long that could take?”

“I’m working on it, my sweets,” I say, shooting her a wink. “It’s almost over. A month at max.”

I’ve fought my ex for everything she’s tried to claim, including half of the inheritance I received after marrying her. A smaller settlement might work because she’s quickly running out of money after I cut her off.

If I knew I had a real chance with Carlee, I’d pay whatever it took to rid myself of Lena. Until then, I’ll keep battling her until she exhausts herself or runs out of funds. I’d bet on the latter happening first.

“Do I need to give you a list of reasons why you’d be really great partners?” Lexi asks.

“No. And do not entertain her, Weston.” Carlee scrunches her nose, looking undeniably cute.

“Even Easton agrees with me,” Lexi interjects.

“Weston can make decisions on his own. Trust me, he knows how love works,” Easton reiterates.

“Thank you,” I say with a wide grin, lifting my hand toward my brother. “Appreciate that.”

My brother gives me a pointed look. He sees right through me. He knows there’s something more lingering between me and Carlee, and the smirk playing on his lips confirms it.

“Hmm,” he says, wiping his mouth with a napkin, cockiness still present.

“What is it?” Lexi asks.

“Just figured something out,” Easton replies, returning his attention to his wife. “But it’s not important.”

He can recognize love in me just as easily as I can in him.

“You’renotshocked by this revelation?” Carlee asks me skeptically.

“Lexi has been harping on this for months like she’s hypnotizing me into believing we’re meant to be together. It’s nothing to panic over.”

“Has it worked?” Easton asks with a chuckle.

“Don’t start,” I warn.

Carlee glares at Lexi. “I honestly thought this horrible matchmaking tactic was a joke just to patronize me.”

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