Page 65 of Hers to Marry
Kat’s eyes shot to her friend’s left hand that was covered with a glove. Parker saw the move and took her glove off.
No wedding band.
No engagement ring either.
Parker shrugged. “We called it off at the last minute. Literally. After you left, Drew flew out to London, and we had a long talk.” Parker smiled. “I…I thought I loved him, but truth is”—she giggled—“I loved my work more. Poor guy couldn’t compete. I mean, I tried to make it work, because we invested so much, but it just didn’t happen.”
Kat drew her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry, Parker.”
Parker leaned back. “Don’t worry about me. It was fine. Actually, it was better than fine. Such a relief! Oh my goodness, you have no idea. After we agreed to call it off, it felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Like I got one thing off my to-do list, and it was amajorone I’d been avoiding for months.” She laughed merrily. “I don’t know why I put it off for so long. Maybe I didn’t want to face the truth.” She frowned at her glove-covered hand. “Hated to give back that ring though. It was too gorg for words…”
Kat’s heart rammed against her ribs. Drew was free… Drew was free! She kept her expression mildly supportive, but what she really wanted to do was shout from the top of the Chrysler building. She was looking forward to returning home and starting her show, but now she couldn’t wait to get to the plane. Drew always wanted to settle in Springfield. Was he there?
Parker continued, “Anyway, we’re better off as friends. I think we were a little too dependent on one another, you know? Then it became a crutch we couldn’t get rid of,” she said with another laugh.
“I’m happy that you’re happy.”
Parker’s eyes narrowed, and her lips curved into a devious smile. “Well, he’s all yours now. We both know you wanted him, don’t deny it.”
“Parker…” Kat’s neck warmed beneath her hood. “I…I wasn’t trying to steal him from you.”
“Oh, I know. I also know his grandmother was totally planning for you too. Muriel flat-out told me she was going to make it her life’s mission to see you marry my man. That woman is just the nastiest! If I ever had his kids—and that would’ve been a big ‘if,’ believe me—she would’ve never seen them. Like, ever. I would’ve had a judge issue a restraining order.”
“Parker! That’s excessive. Muriel…sorta means well.”
“Uh, that womanisexcessive, and she did not mean well for me. Anyway”—she looked down at her phone she had pulled from her jacket pocket—“I’m already late. I’m meeting producers myself for a television spot for the company. Exciting!” She started to walk away. “Look, we’ve gotta catch up soon, okay? Love you, Kat!” She waved and disappeared into the building.
Kat shook her head. Parker was always on the go, even when they were kids. Of course, being in school for eight or nine hours a day kept the two of them close, but once graduation happened, Parker lived a different life, and Kat was just lucky to be a part of it every once in a while.
Drew…
Kat apologized to the driver, who had been practically standing at attention, waiting to open her door. She threw herself into the car and told the driver to get to the airport as quickly as he could. She had to get home.
And get to Drew.
If he was still there.
