Page 138 of Mexico Can Choke On It
I grin. “That’s why God invented Spanx.”
Gavin narrows his eyes at me over the rim of his coffee. “Since when do you eat breakfast, Wildcat?”
“I woke up with an appetite.”
Bryce’s hand pauses mid-toast buttering. Then his hand slides under the table and squeezes my thigh with affection.
Tink! Tink! Tink!
Fiona taps her spoon against her glass. “Attention, please. We’ve decided to cancel the joint bachelor and bachelorette parties for tonight. Instead, Gavin and I are going to have a romantic evening on the beach, privately.”
“Since we’re forgoing a honeymoon with all my work responsibilities,” Gavin says, “Fi figured we should have one night free from wedding chaos and company stress.”
“Nigel,” Fiona says, “our fabulous sunset beach picnic will be ready by tonight, correct?”
“Indeed, madam,” he replies smoothly. “And the matter from our conversation yesterday has been handled in full.”
Fiona nods. “As expected.”
Nigel continues, “Arrangements are underway for the additional wedding guests arriving tomorrow. Some shall be lodged at hotels in town, while others will reside here on the estate.”
My detective-brain does the translation:
The money came in. Everything is paid for. Problem solved. Nothing to see here.
Gavin thanks Nigel for the excellent service, then lifts Fiona’s hand and presses a kiss to her knuckles. She glows with what could actually be… true happiness.
For a split second(and I can’t believe I’m thinking this),the smitten look she’s giving my brother seems genuine.
C’mon, brain… That’s crazy talk.I need my besties.
I reach for my phone and shoot off a text.
GROUP CHAT : CPK FOREVER
Me: Quick poll: Do people ever change? Really?
Cam: Define “change.” Like start recycling? Or like, thinking my influencer bosshole will change from being a prick to a tolerable human being?
Me:What if this Fiona grudge isn’t about her anymore—and I’m just clinging to it?
Katie:I don’t know. Your bullshit detector is usually spot-on.
“Oh my gosh, Fiona!” Hana squeals, bouncing in her chair. “Your newsletter yesterday about that sweet bulldog needing eyelid surgery to blink again? I didn’t even finish reading—I hit donate on the spot!”
Fiona preens. “What’s the point of living our dream if it doesn’t ripple out and help others?”
I almost roll my eyes—almost.
Maybe she means it.
Perhaps I am dumping my own issues onto Fiona because I can’t let go of the past. Maybe she’s actually doing some good in this crazy world of the one percent. Maybe my bitterness has been blinding me.
“You know what? I’m gonna sign up for that newsletter,” I say, mouth half full. “Hana tells me it’s life-changing.”
Fiona pauses, caught off guard. “Oh. Well… In that case, you simplymustcheck out my new auction site—PawsitivelyPosh.com! It features Echo’s latest work. All proceeds benefit Furry First-Class—we provide spa treatments for shelter animals with abandonment issues.”
Spa therapy for anxious rescue pets? That’s… actually kind of sweet.
