Page 57 of The Marriage Narrative
“That’s what I thought. I’d been waiting to see if you were going to mention it, but…” He reached into his laptop bag and pulled out a rectangular jewelry box. “Happy anniversary. We met for the first time one month ago today.”
She sat up in surprise.“What?”
“Open it.”
“We didn’t discuss this,” she whispered, nervously eyeing the camera. “You shouldn’t be buying me things when I didn’t get you anything.”
“That’s not how gifts work,” he reminded her.
“I didn’t even realize—”
“Don’t worry about that. I bought this because I wanted to.”
He took the rose gold necklace that matched her set out of the box. She leaned into him as he clasped it around her neck. “The gemstone reminded me of the dress you were wearing that day.” It had been a perfectly blended mix of reds, oranges, and yellows—just like a fire opal in the light.
“Thank you,” she whispered while rubbing the pendant with a pensive look in her eyes.
He kissed her forehead. “You’re welcome.”
“This made me feel worse, though. I can’t draworremember anniversaries.”
He cackled, pulling her into a hug. She wasn’t kidding about them being a ten—her entire body curled around his. This was her favorite move in their game. If he’d had his way, this was all they’d do. Just sitting together, holding her in his arms for hours at a time.
Zinnia
All she wanted to do was hug her husband in peace, but there was a damn camera in her face.
Jordan’s present still felt cool against her skin. He was so disgustingly perfect that it made her sick sometimes. The kind of illness that burrowed into her heart and wormed its way into all her dark corners to let the light in. She was never taking the necklace off. Ever. And when she died, she better be buried in it.
“Can we talk about something?” she asked, chin still hooked over his shoulder. “I’ve been thinking about Lulie.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
Actually, she’d been thinking about herSweetheartstoryline in general, brainstorming ways to move forward. All that did was give her a headache and make her sympathize with a teenager who’d sooner spit on her than accept her.
“I know you weren’t a part of the show, but you have this…in-depth insider perspective. Did you use to watch it?”
She felt him nod. “When I missed them.”
Which must’ve been all the time. They filmed eleven months per year, not to mention all the behind-the-scenes shoots for various projects and appearances. His family had a close bond, butthere was this strange energy coursing through the house, like they were all eternally on edge.
And now Lulie…she was being manipulated into going head-to-head with Zinnia to force Jordan in the middle because Amber was moving ahead with herThou Art a Villainstoryline.
Zinnia came up with the name, but then Grace had been the one to zoom out. The bigger picture was worse.
GRACE:It seems to me…
GRACE:In my professional opinion…
GRACE:The show ended the second Sadie decided to leave. They’re all in denial about it.
GRACE:Maybe not Damon. I don’t think he cares either way.
GRACE:Amber is 100% gonna make this your problem. As far as she’s concerned, you’re the farmer taking her sickly cash cow out back.
ZINNIA:Not the cash cow!
Jordan began massaging Zinnia’s spine the way she liked. She chewed on her lip, uncomfortable with making an on-camera confession but it had to be done.
