Page 21 of Flyboy
It couldn't be real.
Could it?
Lifting her hand, she brought it closer to her face for a better look. It seemed real. Not that she was an expert in jewelry or diamonds, although she did know costume jewelry could look very real. Except Jack didn't strike her as the type to skimp on something like an engagement ring.
Then again, this was a last-minute marriage of convenience. Surely he wouldn't have spent money on something real for something that was fake. Would he?
If he had, would he expect her to return it after she got permanent guardianship of Penny?
They hadn't talked about divorce. They hadn't really talked about anything except her lawyer's suggestion that if she were married the judge would have approved her petition for Penny.
Speaking of Penny, the girl hadn't been much help in keeping Alyssa from doing something crazy. No, her sister had gone on and on about how cool it was to get married in a car with Elvis singing his heart out.
She needed to talk to Jack. About how they were going to handle this marriage. And him moving into her house, because she remembered talking about that. But first she needed to go to the toilet and take a shower. She reeked like a frat boy after a kegger and she was pretty sure she'd be peeing like one too. And if she wasn't mistaken, at some point last night her hair had indulged in a little sex-on-the-beach.
Thank God she'd declined the chapel's photo package.
Last night's alcohol fueled revelry had been a direct result of the denied guardianship and she had to admit even with the level of disappointment and frustration she'd been feeling, she'd gone a little overboard on the drinks. She would be lucky if Maz didn't kill her next time she saw her.
Alyssa grinned. Then again, Maz had had the unwavering attention of Ry all night; he'd even taken Maz home. And who knew, maybe with a little liquid courage her friend might have found the nerve to kiss the guy. Or jump his bones. They'd been sparking off each other since Maz arrived in Sunnyville and started working at Mercy-Life a few weeks ago. Sparks so bright a blind man could see where the two of them were heading.
Shit. She didn't need to be thinking about the explosive chemistry between Maz and Ry. She had her own drama to deal with.
Picking up the bag, she aimed for the bathroom and almost fell over when she stumbled at the doorway. There were two doorways. Each leading to an opulently appointed bathroom fit for royalty.
Two bathrooms?
Which one was she supposed to use?
Did it matter? All she needed was a shower—either room would work. Although the huge tub in the corner of the left bathroom would be divine to sink into. She shook her head; she didn't have time. She'd ignore it for now and hope she could take advantage of that sinful-looking luxury later.
It would be a shame to have this place and not use the thing. It looked big enough for two...shaking her head harder, she refused to think about sharing it with Jack.
Nope. She'd grab a shower, put on some clean clothes, and go find her sister.
And her husband.
Not needing the temptation of that tub, she entered the bathroom on the right and headed for the shower. Her plan seemed simple and easily executed until she'd used the toilet, stripped out of her bra and panties, and stepped into the marble and glass recess. From floor to ceiling there were knobs and taps and shower heads of different shapes and sizes and placement everywhere and it took her a full minute to decide which tap turned on which nozzle.
Unfortunately, she got it wrong and a face full of icy water.
"Fuck!"
Jumping back, she eyed the offending spray and debated trying again. Knowing her luck, if she turned another knob she'd end up with a jet of water up her ass.
No thanks, she'd work with what she had. Checking the water had warmed, she stepped under the spray and sighed. There was nothing better than a hot shower after a night out.
The built-in shelf held an array of hotel-supplied toiletries to choose from and by the time she had finished popping open bottles, she felt like a million bucks and smelled even better. No more alcohol and sweat odor for her. Instead, the gentle scent of vanilla filled her nose and the bathroom, and her hair was the softest it had ever been.
Along with the decadent tub, she discovered a 'dressing' area in the other bathroom that had a vanity with salon-worthy lighting, as well as a hairdryer, and after a quick blow-dry she went back and picked up her discarded underwear, tossing them in her bag. She had no idea where yesterday's clothes were, but she'd worry about those later.
Dumping her bag back on the chaise on the way past, she headed for the door. When she pulled it open, she followed the murmur of voices until she found herself in a large living area staring at six people.
Three she knew, three she didn't.
They eyed her with a variety of expressions.
Jack and Penny looked concerned, as if she might launch herself at them any second.
