Page 113 of The Marriage Narrative
Back then, she’d really thoughtsadwas the strongest emotion she’d feel. She’d never been so entirely, mortally wrong in her life. Her heart felt like it was being sawed in half.
“Now, this isn’t anything serious yet but offers are rolling in faster than we anticipated. All you have to do is listen to the pitches. Let me handle this.” Amber had kept her voice low, but then slightly pushed Zinnia forward announcing, “And here she is! The latest addition to our ranks. We’re so lucky to have her.”
Zinnia’s head was spinning—offers, pitches, lucky to have her?
Jordan was with Bea.Did he know about this?
“We’ve met.” It was the same woman who’d stopped her earlier. “She’s as beautiful as promised and so well-spoken. We’re very pleased.”
“Zinnia, this is Magda and her husband, Charles. They’re interested in producing a show starring Alfie and Tantivy Shops.”
“I had my doubts when I heard Bea was no longer in the picture, but I must say, Alfie married quite the charmer,” Charles said.
Zinnia’s severely compressed stomach jumped. She was a replacement.Zaffre Hourswas truly ending, and they wanted her to replace Bea in their new show.
But Bea was stillvery muchin the picture. Right then, in fact.
“You also own a business. ZnO2, is it?” Charles asked.
She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
“And you have two business partners—Grace and Fiona? Will they be onZaffre Hoursat all? I’d love to meet them as well. Are they here?”
“Unfortunately, no. They couldn’t make it, but I’m sure something could be arranged,” Amber said.
“I would hope so,” Magda said. “We have a strong idea of what we’d like to see—newlywed small business owners living the American dream—but we’re interested in Alfie’s take on the premise as well. Of course, using the wedding as a backdoor pilot makes the most sense so time is of the essence.”
“Wedding?” Zinnia’s voice pitched.
“We’re still figuring out logistics.” Amber placed a warm, comforting hand on Zinnia’s shoulder. “Nothing is set in stone, but if things go well that could work.”
A wedding. A new show.
Jordan promised her it was only one season. That they just had to do this first for Sadie and then they would get on with their lives. Exactly how long were they going to do this?
Zinnia began twisting her wedding ring around her finger—but then her gaze drifted to her camera pod, steadfastly filming.
Sorrow the likes of which she’d never experienced took her breath away. Jordan wasn’t coming because he was with Bea behind the black curtain. They’d been separated on purpose.
“Zinnia?” Magda asked. “What do you think?”
He isn’t coming.“I—”
“Are you all right, dear? You look a little…feverish,” Magda said.
He isn’t coming.She couldn’t stop twisting her wedding ring. Everything felt too loud and too bright and too close, as if the room were closing in on her.
He isn’t—Zinnia gasped as a hand suddenly pressed against her lower back.
Jordan
When he saw Zinnia smiling, nodding, and twisting her ring, he all but teleported to her side. His mom had tried to make introductions, but he wasn’t having it. His wife didn’t want to be there, so neither did he.
She’d taken a quick break and returned to the party like a blank slate. Nothing had happened. She wasfine.
Bullshit.
Unfortunately, they didn’t get a chance to have another moment alone until they made it back to their hotel room at a little past midnight. Mics gone. Camera pods off duty.
