Page 61 of The Best Man
“Uh, it wasn’t up for discussion.”
“Exactly. No one would dare ask you that. But me? Ha. Every adult female in my family, with the lone exception of Stella, has told me I’ll change my mind about kids and marriage. But I won’t. I know what’s good for me. I know what makes me happy. And I’m fucking sick of having to play along to spare other people’s feelings.”
“No worries this time, Molls. You haven’t spared mine.”
“Fuck. You.” The words are out before I can stop them, and they hit his ears like a slap to the face. He refills the champagne flute and drains it, having absorbed my venom.
“Look, that was mean, and I’m sorry, but you have to see where I’m coming from. Did you spare my feelings when you played along with Barry? No. A random stranger’s twisted idea of a nice gesture was more important to you than standing up for what you and I agreed on. That’s fucked up, Ev. I need someone who chooses me over manners.”
“So, what you said to Victoria last night, that was all bullshit. All that about how you’re not here for marriage—which, clearly, is the case—but you’re just here for me. Yea, that’s the part I’m beginning to doubt.”
“I have been here for you, Ev. I was here for the casual relationship that we mutually agreed on. You knew my feelings about long term relationships. I’ve never made a secret of that.”
“Would it really be that bad?” His voice is barely more than a whisper, the champagne slurring his words just a bit.
“That’s not what this is about.”
“Isn’t it? Sorry, I must be confused.”
“Look, I suck at relationships, but so does everyone else in my family. You know how many steps my family has. My parents have been married and divorced several times. I’ve seen countless examples of how marriage just tears people apart. Marriage brings heartache and anger and frustration and betrayal.”
“You putting that in your Maid of Honor speech?”
“Don’t be a dick. Look, I hope Simon and Elaine last forever, but I have seen enough awful relationships to know that I prefer to keep it casual.”
“And that’s what we have, right? Would you call fucking on every available surface casual? How about the constant texts and calls? Is that all casual, too? Oh, and spending all our free time together? Still casual? Think about it Molly, we’re in a serious relationship, regardless of the label you do or don’t put on it.”
His words sting, but I can’t think about them now. I don’t want to see the truth in them.
“I know a thing or two about marriages breaking up. How do you think it makes me feel, having to watch my every move, so I don’t get too close or come on too strong? Maybe it makes me an asshole, but yea, I’d fucking love to claim you. I’d love for the world to know you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
This is too much. I need to get out of here. I can almost feel the walls closing in on me. I move mechanically around the room, gathering the few items I’ve scattered around, and stuffing them in my case.
Ev’s arm stills mine. “Molly, stop. You can’t leave—not like this.”
“I can. I need to. I just need to get out of here and clear my head.”
“Fine. I’ll call Nate, and he’ll take you down to the bar for a drink.”
“No, Ev, I’m heading home. I just need to be by myself for a bit, think things through.”
“Damn it, Molly. Please, don’t leave tonight.”
“I need to Ev. There’s got to be a flight into Baltimore. I’ll take a few days to get my head right, and we can talk when you get back, ok?”
“Jesus.” He takes another gulp of champagne—he’s just drinking straight from the bottle now, and I take a minute to check available flights. Luck is on my side, and there’s one that leaves in two hours, so I need to haul ass out of here.
“Let me take you to the airport.”
“No, Ev. First of all, that will be messy as hell. And besides, you’re too drunk to find your way home.”
“This stuff packs a punch, I’ll give you that.”
“It’s the bubbles. They get you drunk faster. Drink some water and then sleep it off.”
“But you won’t be here when I wake up.”
He’s killing me. “No, I won’t.”
