Page 66 of Faking the Pass
“Well you’re certainly different from the WAG-wannabees he’s dated the past few years since Wilder and I have been together,” Jess said.
That piqued my interest. “Different how?”
“Well, I don’t want to be insulting to other women because I think people should live their lives however they want to, but the women I’ve seen Presley with aren’t as…realas you are.”
“You mean plastic surgery?”
“In some cases, yes, but that’s not what I’m talking about,” she said.
Jessica browsed the charcuterie board, selecting a small square of cheese and wrapping it in the thinnest slice of beef carpaccio I’d ever seen.
“I get the sense that you’re the same person, no matter who you’re talking to,” she said. “You talk to me the same way you speak to the women who work here in the shop. And you’re exactly like you were in the TV interviews I saw you in. I’m sure that really appeals to Presley because he’s the same way.”
Appeals to him?My future fake sister-in-law was apparently harboring some false ideas about what was going on here.
I leaned in close and spoke softly so the women in the next room didn’t overhear. “You know this is all fake, right? At least I assumed Presley had told you when he arranged for today.”
Jessica swatted at the air in front of her as if trying to chase off a gnat.
“Yes, I know what hesaid. But we’ve all talked about it, and everyone agrees. He’s not acting like himself.”
“He’s probably annoyed he’s having to deal with planning a wedding ceremony—and paying for it,” I said.
I looked around at the posh surroundings and even more glamorous dresses, sighing miserably.
“Ireallywish you hadn’t asked them to take the price tags off the dresses.”
“I’ve known the Lowe family since I was a little girl,” Jessica said. “My brother is Wilder’s best friend. And I’ve gotten to know Presley much better since I married his brother. One thing I can tell you he’snot—is annoyed.”
“Well once this whole court hearing is over with, I’ll get out of his hair and he can go back to being himself again. I promise.”
“I didn’t say any of us were complaining about the change,” she said. “It’s actually been a lot of fun. There’s a pool going on among his brothers about how long it’ll take Pres to admit he’s in love with you. Wait till you see Dylan and Merc at the wedding. You’re going to love them. The whole family is great. And Iknowthey’re going to love you.”
“Jessica…”
I had to take a few breaths before going on because her words had knocked the wind out of me.
“Presley isnotin love with me,” I told her, though it should have been unnecessary.
“He’s only marrying me so neither of us has to testify against the other,” I said. “And I think it’s working already because Randy’s lawyers asked for a delay of the court date when they learned we were getting married this week. I guess they needed time to regroup. Maybe they’ll even advise him to drop the whole thing.”
“Well I hope they do because I don’t want to see you go through that,” Jess said. “But that’s a question for another day.”
Clinking her glass against mine, she said, “The question today is… which of these pretty dresses are you going to choose?”
A couple hours later, I’d made my choice, and the shop’s in-house seamstress was already at work altering it to fit me perfectly.
“I can’t believe how late it is,” I said to Jessica. “I’m sorry I monopolized your entire day.”
It had been wonderful getting to know her. I’d liked her immediately, but after talking with her all day, she felt like a real friend.
“Nonsense. This has been so much fun. I’m thrilled to be getting a sister in law—for however long I get to keep her.”
She gave me a hug just as my stomach let out a loud growl. Pulling back, she laughed.
“Was that me or you?”
“It was me,” I said, shamefaced. “I’m not sure why. I’ve eaten more today than I have in months.”
