Page 52 of Happy Wife

I checked the mirror and was relieved to find that I looked almost sober again.

Thank you, Boho Fairy Godmother.

Once she had cleaned me up, Este walked me outside andpractically patted me on the butt, as if I was an athlete returning to the field.

“Go have fun,” she encouraged. “And don’t take any shit.”

I wanted to hug her. Instead, I said, “You should come with me!”

“Not a chance. I don’t socialize for sport.” She didn’t hesitate. “But I’ll come over tomorrow—we’ll get a coffee and some Advil.”

“You’re a really good neighbor.”

“Yes, I am.”

—

Autumn was vibrating with stress when I made my way toward the dance floor. “Where have you been? You were supposed to be here five minutes ago. The sun is almost down.”

Don’t take any shit.

“Almost isn’t completely,” I countered confidently. “There’s still time. Let’s do it.”

Autumn opened her mouth to speak, and then, as if realizing there wasn’t a moment to waste, dashed away, likely in search of Will.

Instead of Will, though, Fritz appeared. He flashed a wide grin when he saw me, but I could see the hint of weariness in his expression. He was smiling by rote. Still, he extended his hand to me, and I took it with my own polite smile.

“So happy for you two,” he said.

“That’s such a nice thing to say.” I dropped my hand. “I’m glad to hear you finally came around.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Came around?”

“It’s a big house, Fritz. But sound still travels. Hard to miss the screaming match in Will’s office.”

He cleared his throat and punched his hands in his pockets.

Stonewalling. Fine.

Autumn was approaching with Will. I was going to have to be brief but firm.

“I’ll sign whatever Will tells me to sign,” I said in a tone I was sure Fritz could hear but Will couldn’t. “Just have the paperwork drawn up and stop beating your chest, okay?”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Fritz promised.

I straightened my spine a little.

Champagne-fueled bravado is powerful.

“There’s my wife.” Will pulled me against him and planted a kiss on my lips.

The fake smile I had turned on for Fritz gave way to genuine joy for Will. “Hi,” I cooed as I wrapped my arms around him. And then I turned to Fritz. “Thanks so much for the well-wishes. I’m looking forward to hearing your toast.”

There was a dark flash in Fritz’s eyes. But it passed in an instant.

Will didn’t notice, and after a beat, I didn’t care anymore. We were too busy drinking each other in as the sun set over Lake Maitland.

Chapter23

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