Page 105 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

I’ve seen her in movies and in interviews. I had to watch to make sure my case was airtight. But seeing her now, sans makeup and dressed in workout clothes, I observe a different side of the famous actress most will never see. Simply looking happy, she says, “This is us agreeing to be together.” Her gaze flits back and forth between Marlow and me. “And we want to invite you both to the vow renewal we’re having in Maui at the house.”

I expect a big reaction from Marlow, something more over-the-top—an outburst or tantrum—per usual. But I don’t even hear her swallow.

Over my shoulder, I look up at her but find her expression unreadable. So I spin in the chair, causing her hands to drop away. “Marlow, are you okay?”

She nods, but it’s exaggerated. I can only imagine that this announcement has come as a shock. She once said she didn’t even bother to get to know her stepmoms anymore, but does she hate the idea of her dad being married so much that she’s lost her spirit to fight?

If she can’t lead this conversation, I need to step in for both of us. I grasp her hand, which causes her to finally look at me. With my back to the camera, I whisper, “It’s going to be okay.”

She nods, and as if a switch was flipped, she comes alive for the camera. Throwing her arms in the air, she claps her hands together. “That is such great news. Congratulations. And, yes, of course, we’ll be there. We wouldn’t miss it.” Not going to happen. Not on my watch. I just got out of the doghouse withTealey because of this arrangement, so no, I won’t be flying to Maui with Marlow.

No way. No how.

Bob says, “I’m happy, sweetheart.” He kisses Lorie.

“I know,” Marlow replies as if she was asked for permission. “I can see it.”

Resting his arms forward on his desk, he says, “So about the divorce, Wellington. How do we put this to bed since we’re not moving forward?”

I feel sick. There goes making partner. I bet they give it to Rogers, who’s been fighting Big Pharma for victims. He has that advantage because it’s a more noble legal field.

Do I have a right to feel disappointed that I’m losing an opportunity when he’s keeping his marriage together? Sure. I give myself a few seconds to grieve a promotion that was mine to lose. A part of me is angry that I lost it based on Bob dangling a carrot like I’d be a made man if I took his case. I’m also disappointed, but with Ashleigh pregnant and eventually taking leave, maybe now’s not my time?

And then there’s Tealey. She’s making me see things differently. With this hurdle out of my path, I can start being with Tealey and put an end to the strain this charade has caused.

Seeing Bob smiling—and how happy Lorie is—makes me say, “I wish you the best.” And I genuinely mean it. “I can send the paperwork that will terminate the proceedings if everything is remaining the same. If you’re reevaluating the assets or decide to alter the prenuptial agreement, I can handle that for you.”

He says, “We’ll talk about it and let you know at the wedding.” Yeah, not taking that trip.Pretending on video call is bad enough.

I say, “I’m not sure I can get to Maui?—”

“No, Cammie and Cade’s. I got the invitation today and RSVP’d that Lorie and I will be there since we were already planning a visit to the Hamptons.”

Lorie dips back onto the screen. “I hear wedding bells are in the future. Maybe we can look at rings while I’m in New York, Marlow.” If only I weren’t on camera right now . . . “And we can start planning your wedding. Bond over girl stuff like that. Two brides-to-be.”

Gobsmacked, I hold my breath. It’s best for all of us.

Marlow’s hands return to my shoulder, and she squeezes. “A ring?” I hear the discomfort in her tone, and hope for our sakes, they don’t. “You know, I’ll leave that to Rad. He has exquisite taste, and I love surprises.”

“I’m sure you’ll have it back by the wedding.” Lorie kisses Bob again and says, “We need to start getting ready. The Mercers give us a hard time when we’re late.”

He turns back to us, and says, “Thank you for the great work you did, Rad. Send the bill over, and I’ll add a little something on top for your efforts.”

“It doesn’t work like that.” I’m quick to correct him. “We don’t work on tips.”

“No matter then. It will get settled. Some more good news is that I finally got a response from the owner of the apartment. They’re open to negotiation. The next step is making an offer, so I’ll put that in this week. And I guess I’m seeing you two lovebirds in two weeks. Bye.”

The screen of my monitor goes blue, and I spin back to Marlow, who’s taken a step back. “Fuck,” I say, scrubbing my hands over my face and then taking a deep breath.

She says, “If you’ll excuse me. I’m going to need some time to process what just happened.”

So do I, but more so, we need to renegotiate our arrangement since I no longer have a stake in the game. I’m about to barrageher with questions, but she says, “I know this just got even more complicated, but . . .” Taking her purse, she slides it to her elbow and walks to the door. “Can we discuss this later?”

Yes, I have a lot of damn questions, but she’s acting so out of character that I’m wondering if I should be concerned. “Sure. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” As if something else occurs to her, she glances back at me. “I’m glad you’ll be at the wedding. I may need your support.”

“You have it, Marlow. Always.”

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