Page 47 of Axe-identally Married
“He’s sad and struggling to find his place in the world. And he’s kind.”
“Sure he is.”
“I mean it,” I said, rankled by her dismissive tone. “And he’s helpful.”
She barked a laugh. “Yeah, because you gave him a free place to live.”
“He doesn’t need it. He’s got money,” I explained. “I think he needs a friend. He’s working on himself.”
She slapped the table, startling me. “No fucking way, Willa. God, this is so, so… you!”
I slumped. “You’re being a bit dramatic.”
“No I’m not. You love a fixer upper. This is your MO. You’re a doctor, God complex and all. You think you can fix everyone you meet. Shit, you are in deep.” She stood and paced my tiny, cramped office, chopsticks in hand. “I should have intervened sooner. That’s on me. We can work on this.”
“Magnolia, stop,” I said firmly, setting my own chopsticks on my napkin. “We got married, and we’ve decided to stay married for a bit. Our relationship is strictly platonic, but pretending helps both of us out for various reasons.”
She shook her head. “It’s platonic for now, but lines will blur. He’s a wounded puppy. You’ll be fucking him in no time.”
Heat flashed through me. “Stop it.”
“You’ve thought about it,” she accused.
“No. We’ve kissed. In Vegas. Nothing since. We don’t even flirt.”
That was not entirely true. We flirted often—mildly, of course—but Cole was playful and funny. It was like his default setting. So maybe he sometimes put his arm around me while we watchedJeopardy. It was all very benign.
And then there was the wrist kiss. I had pushed thoughts of it to the back of my mind because I could drive myself crazy analyzing every facet. Neither of us had mentioned it, and I was happy to pretend it never happened. Unpacking the intensity, the attraction, and the pure lust of that moment would only lead to disaster. Best to ignore it all and keep pushing forward.
“We have firm boundaries, and he’s quite respectful.”
“Are we talking about the same guy? Cole Hebert? Arrested six months ago for vandalism at his own family’s company? Ignored our friend for years, despite how she followed him around, taking care of him and acting as his personal cheerleader?”
“People change, Mags. You said it yourself. We’re grown up now.”
She’d had a front-row seat to all my romantic humiliation and heartbreak over the years. There hadn’t been much, but she’d held my hand through a very complicated situationship with another resident last year. I appreciated her love for me, but I needed to handle this myself.
She shook her head. “I love you. I don’t want you getting hurt. If you fess up to your parents, they will forgive you.”
“No. I can’t do that. They’re over the moon. They’re thankful that I’ve got someone looking out for me. You know how overprotective they are. They’re so worried I’m in over my head with the practice. I was shocked how relieved they were, knowing that I have a husband looking out for me.”
“Gross. I always thought Roger and Susan were more evolved than that.”
“Not like that.” I chuckled. “They’re relieved to know that I have someone to lean on. My dad worked himself almost to death, but he always had my mom to help.”
Her expression softened. “Your mom is pretty awesome.”
“After Christmas, they’re going to rehab in Portland for a few months. Then, in the spring, when Dad is better,Cole and I will separate and start the annulment process. He’s trying to figure out his career, and let’s face it, there aren’t many opportunities here.”
“I’ll give him a job.” She dropped back into her seat and crossed one leg over the other. “In New York. He can assist in planning events. He did a good job with RiverFest.”
“He crushed it,” I said as pride filled my chest.
She frowned at me. “He’s smart and has good problem-solving skills. I’ll give him that.” She hummed. “I’ll give him a job if he promises to get out of town and leave my best friend alone.”
My heart sank. Of course.
“I mean it. This is not going to end well. I know in your mind, it’s all tidy and neat. But Willa, I’ve done so much stupid shit.Please. Learn from my mistakes.”
