Page 24 of Things We Fake
“She did,” Nikki said with a grin. “She salted the saffron beds.”
Lily gasped. “Like, actually salted?”
“She emptied six boxes of Morton’s finest across the eastern field and then spray-paintedCHEATERon the side of his truffle shed.”
I slapped a hand over my mouth. “Oh my God! Way to go, Sally! I didn’t think she was that psychotic. Ihave new respect for her—all things considered. I wish I’d had the balls to do that to him.”
Nikki grinned. “Revenge is a dish best served cold and done by other people. Neil’s been cultivating that field for years. Do you know how delicate saffron is? Those little red stigmas are worth more than gold per ounce. She didn’t just break his heart—she tanked his finances.”
“Deliciously destructive,” Lily gave a nod of appreciation.
“He’s ruined,” Nikki confirmed. “No crops, no cash, and according to Sally’s divorce lawyer, no prenup protection either. Turns out, theif you cheat, you payclause was real. She’s walking away with half the business and the Porsche.” She turned to me. “His only chance is to find a wife with some land and some family money, so word around town is that you’re his next meal ticket.”
I blinked. “Do you think he would be so self-deluded as to think I’d take him back?” I stopped myself. “No, you’re right. He actually might be. The man’s connection with reality is strenuous at best.”
“Agreed,” Nikki said. “But knowing all this and knowing how much your mom pushed you toward him gives you more reasons to make it work with Cam.”
Lily frowned. “Wait. Your mom wants to force him on you even though he cheated on you?”
I shook my head. “No one in my family knows about the cheating. I couldn’t tell them. And you know what? It doesn’t matter anymore. It turns out Sally did me a favor by saving me from marriage to Neil. I justwant to focus on the future. If that includes Cam… God, I hope it does!”
They grinned at me. “Show us the dress. Ange couldn’t shut up about it.”
I led them to the bedroom, peeling off my sweater and stepping into the royal blue stunner. When I came out, Lily actually let out a low whistle.
Nikki blinked. “Damn. Okay, I was going to make a joke about you looking like a sexy coroner, but you’ve skipped straight to Bond Girl.”
“I know, right?” I smoothed the dress over my hips. “This bra deserves a lifetime achievement award.”
Nikki rummaged through her purse and pulled out a velvet box. “Speaking of awards, I have something for you.”
Inside was a set of sapphire and crystal jewelry so stunning it looked like it came with a security detail.
“Are you kidding me? This looks like it was stolen off the Titanic.”
“Well, pretty close actually,” Nikki said. “My aunt Emily had it custom-made after becoming emotionally compromised by Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s high-end costume—no real jewels, sadly—but it would take an expert to spot the difference.”
She clasped the necklace around my neck while Lily fussed with my hair.
“That teardrop sits perfectly in your cleavage,” Nikki said, admiring her work. “Physics is finally doing something useful.”
I admired the stones reverently in the mirror. “These are stunning, Nik, but… I can’t take them. It’s too much.”
“You can and you will. They deserve a night out. And so do you. Besides, you know these are not my style. I never wore them, and there’s no point in them lying in a box forever.”
I turned to her and hugged her tight. “Thank you.”
“Make sure they witness some action,” she whispered into my ear.
Lily stepped in next, handing me a business card. “Call Mr. Pierre tomorrow. He’s my stylist. Tell him I sent you, and he’ll fit you in. Get a trim, a blowout, maybe a bit of color. Let themzhuzhyou. You deserve to feel like a goddess.”
“You guys are unbelievable,” I said, swallowing past the sudden lump in my throat.
“We know,” Nikki said. “Now go try on the nightie in the pink bag.”
As I returned to the living room, I peeked inside the bag and nearly passed out. Red lace, satin sheets, scented massage oil, condoms in a variety pack the size of a cereal box…
“Oh my God,” I whispered. “What is this? A Vegas bachelorette suite starter pack?”
