Page 6 of Speak of the Devil

Already giggling, I reply, “Apparently.”

“I thought we were opposed to marriage.”

“Youare opposed to marriage. I’ve always been open to the idea. What I’m opposed to are the toads I’ve had to date to find my Prince Charming.” Settling back into the booth, I reach over and pull her drink closer to me while I finish the story. For my safety because if that got her going, the rock star detail will finish her off, and drench me in the process. “As I was saying?—”

“You’re married?”

I nod, acting like any part of this is normal. The mental gymnastics of wrapping my head around what happened has worn me out. “According to the state of California, I am.”

“I’m so confused. I feel like I’ve missed the start of the story.” Swirling her finger in the air, she adds, “Rewind.”

So I dive into the story, not leaving out any details. “. . . And then Ross says, Shane Faris is my husband.”

“Shane Faris?” Her head drops lower, along with her jaw. “The drummer of Faris Wheel,Shane Faris?”

Grinning like a fool, I reply, “The very one.” All I can do is laugh about this situation now.

She works hard to rid herself of the lines between her brows, but right now, they are out in full force despite her best efforts. “The same Shane Faris who made the sexiest man alive edition?”

As if this is my burden to bear, I try for solemn, but I’m not the actress and can’t keep a poker face for anything. I end upsmiling like a jackpot winner. Why not embrace this technicality while it exists? “I’m married to a rock star.”

“Oh my God, Cate. That means?—”

“I deserve the perks of being his wife? Luxury yachts, spontaneous trips to Europe . . .” I fluff my hair. “Spa memberships to use anytime I want?”

She cracks up laughing. “I was going to say that you never signed a prenup, so it’s kind of the same thing. And trust me on the luxury yachting. It’s overrated.” Luna would know, but I’d love to find out for myself one day.

“Technically, I never married him either, so I’m not getting carried away thinking I’m winning half his estate. I wouldn’t do that to him anyway. I don’t want his money. I want my house, and right now, he’s the only thing standing between me and the biggest purchase of my life, my little garden, and the kittens I want to raise.”

“Listen,” she says, scoping out the restaurant as if we’re surrounded by spies. “You need to play this just right.” Her green eyes return to mine, and she quirks a brow. “Sexy. Talented. Top of his game. He has everything going for him.”

“Including a soon-to-be ex-wife.” I hold up my glass. “Cheers to that.”

I’m side-eyed instead. “Let’s think big picture here?—”

“I’m not asking him for anything other than my freedom.”

“Have you seen him lately?” She grabs her phone, ready to prove a point.

“I don’t need to see him except when he’s at the county office sweet-talking Roberta into fixing this error.”

Glancing up, she asks, “Who’s Roberta?” Then she squeals with a bounce in her chair. “See? Look at him!” Between gritted teeth, she grinds, “He’s gorgeous.”

I stare at the photo on her phone, finding myself smiling just looking at him. He really is an attractive man. More than . . . Hewas back in school as well. I had such a crush but did not have the nerve to act on it.

He did.

I remember the bonfire after graduation, the moon hanging over the horizon, and taking a walk with Shane down the beach to get away from the ruckus of the party. I haven’t thought about that night in so long that it feels more like a dream to me now. Pressing my hand over my chest, I can feel my heart beating faster the moment I recall his lips touching mine.

One kiss.That’s all we shared.

Of all the men in the world, I end up accidentally tied to him. Go figure.

“What happens now?” she asks, picking up her menu like this is totally normal. That’s Hollywood for you. While she decides between the guacamole salad and the chicken tacos, I’m back to spinning, unsure what to do. Or order.

“I’ll wait to see if he returns my call.”

“You called him?”

---