Page 114 of My Merry Mistake
“So, Justin, what is it you like about our sister?” Eloise breaks a roll in half and shoves a very large chunk of it into her mouth.
He looks at me, and my face flushes.
“You don’t have to answer that,” I say, then shoot daggers at my youngest sister.
“Oh, I don’t mind.” Justin lays his napkin over his lap and picks up his fork. His food has to be cold by now. “I think I’m most drawn to her strong work ethic.”
Finn coughs, and I glare at him. He ignores me.
Mom signs for Dad, and I can feel his eyes on me, like he knows something is off. Dallas and Gray stay heads down, focused on their food.
“Her work ethic,” Sylvia says, her tone dripping.
Justin nods, like he’s just gotten the answer correct onJeopardy.“It’s hard to find someone who understands my own ambition like Raya does. We’re alike that way.”
“And that’s an important similarity?” Mom says out loud as Dad signs the question.
“I think so, Sir, yes.” Justin says this a little louder than he should, as if speaking up will make my father suddenly able to hear him.
I can practically feel everyone in my family cringe.
“What else do you do?” Poppy asks, signing the words. “Besides work. Like for fun?”
Justin finishes chewing the bite of food in his mouth. “Hmm. Honestly, that’s pretty much it. I run, but I’m training for a marathon, so that’s more of a goal than a hobby. I’m pretty boring, I’m afraid.”
There’s a quiet lull.
“I’ve been working with this new trainer—she’s amazing. I feel like I hit a whole new level.” He looks at me. “Have you tried running? You might love it.”
Poppy laughs. “Raya doesn’t do anything she can’t win.”
Finn’s eyes flick over to me, the memory of our conversation fresh in my mind.
“Okay, family!” My laugh is nervous. “How about we change the subject?”
Justin’s phone buzzes on the table. He picks it up, and I can feel the irritation pinballing around the table.
“Oh, wow, sorry,” he says, pushing back from the table. “I need to get this.”
He leaves the room, and my gaze falls to the nearly empty plate in front of me.
It’s a visual representation of how I feel right now.
Mom changes the subject, and the rest of them join in the conversation, eager to relieve the tension in the room.
When I finally dare to look up from the table, I find Finn watching me, a question behind his eyes. It reads,You okay?And I can’t explain why, but I feel like I’ve let him down.
It’s silly, I know, but there it is.
“I’m going to just—” I stand and walk down the hallway, following the sound of Justin’s voice. I’m about to open the guest room door when I hear him say, “I know, I can’t stop thinking about you either.”
I freeze.
“It’s hard to explain, but yes, I’m ending it today.” A pause. “Because I already gave my word.” Another pause. “I know, and I’ll be there soon. Are you wearing the dress I bought you?”
My stomach sinks as my mind reels back to the day I found out the truth about Rich.
“Did you know this man is my husband?”
