Page 31 of Hail Marry
“They’re more likely to want to shake your hand or offer you condolences.”
A sequence of buzzes lets me know the reactions are starting to pour in.
Troy
A bit bored, are we, Tor?
Siena
If I have to drive down there and be a designated driver for you tonight, I will morning sickness all over you.
Austin
I’m leaving the music industry and becoming a goat farmer.
Oh, is this not the thread for outrageous lies?
I wrinkle my nose. “Ugh. No one believes me. They’re gonna require more evidence. Here.” I swipe to the camera app and hold up my phone for a selfie.
Luca and I look like classmates studying for a test, not newlyweds.
“Scoot closer,” I say. “And close your laptop.” I close mine and shimmy next to him until our arms are pressed together. The man is like a gigantic, personal heater. He also always smells like he just got out of the shower. “Come on,” I urge him.
“What?” He shifts in his seat. “What am I supposed to do?”
“I told them we’re busy enjoying newlywed bliss, so…try to look…notlike that.” I nod at my phone screen to indicate the distinct lack of besotted husband vibes he’s giving off.
“This is how I look, Victoria.”
I sigh. “Fine. If you can’t bring yourself to look infatuated, kiss me on the cheek or something.”
He hesitates, then obeys, and I snap the shot in the split-second that his lips are pressed against my cheek.
I frown at the result. “You have to close your eyes or they go cross-eyed. Try again.”
He does.
“Better,” I say, still frowning. “Oh! Duh.” I get up from the couch and grab the small Amazon box on the kitchen table. I pull out the two tiny plastic bags inside and take them over to the couch. “Forgot these.”
I open one of the bags and hand him his ring, then slide on mine, which fits much better than his grandma’s did. It’s also a lot gaudier in comparison. Oh well.
“Okay, let’s try again.” I put my hand up so my ring is visible in the camera, then snap a shot once Luca kisses my cheek.
I smile at the result and sigh. “You’re so obsessed with me.” I send it to the family thread, then shoot another text. It’s not easy being the youngest in a family that enjoys messing with each other, but tonight, I take my revenge.
Siena
Are you actually serious? You got married?! I will kill you, Victoria Marie Sheppard.
Kill.
You.
Austin
Uh…is that Luca Callahan?
Troy
