Page 19 of Wedding Contract
Yesterday was so much fun. I thought things were going perfectly. Everything was lighter, and this gloom that had fallen over me cleared. Just as quickly as it had gone, it rushed right back in.
He left. One second we were laughing and he was making this place feel more like a home with me, and the next he was gone, taking all that warmth and joy I was experiencing with him. I don't have a clue what went wrong, but it had to have been me.
Was he worried he'd get in trouble? I don't want that for him, but why didn't he tell me that? I would have understood. Instead, he just left, like he'd never been here at all. KnowingI can't wallow in bed all day—it will only make things worse—I force myself to get up and get dressed for the day.
I take my time, a part of me hoping that Charlie might swing by today, but do I want him to? If there had been an emergency, it would have only taken a couple of seconds to have said that to me. Instead, he bolted out of here, not even saying goodbye.
It hits me that I cornered him into staying. He felt sorry for me, and when he saw the opportunity to flee, he did. I stare at myself in the mirror as I braid my hair and give myself a small pep talk. I need to put myself out there more. If I want to find friends, I should use this time to do that. I could sign up for different groups or events. I’ll keep myself busy.
I grab my laptop off the end table and take it into the living room before I make myself a hot chocolate. I turn the fireplace on and open the window covering to see that snow is starting to fall. The flakes are big and puffy, making it look as though it’s a winter wonderland.
My heart flutters when my phone goes off. I hurry back to the bedroom where I left it on the charger. I don't believe Charlie has my number, but maybe he got it from someone. He could be calling to apologize, but what if it's only to smooth things over so it's not awkward? It doesn't matter. When I see the number, I know it's not his. It's again a Nebraska phone number. My fingers hover over the button to answer, but I don't.
I’m already in a weird headspace as it is. The last thing I need right now is to get a pile-on from my family. When I make it back to the living room, I settle in and start looking for local groups but get distracted by two ads for thrift shops I see that aren't too far from here.
My phone goes off again, but this time it's Mr. Rise. I get that same sensation of when you're called down to the principal’s office, but I'm pretty sure I haven't done anything wrong. Have I? I guess we will see.
“Morning,” I say when I answer, even if it's pushing toward the afternoon at this point.
“Afternoon, Mrs. Wick. You have guests.” I perk up.
“Wait, like two?” Don't think he's calling Charlie a guest. I'm sure the two of them are more than aware of each other if they both work for Wick.
“Yes, they both claim to be your sisters. A Quinn and Kate.” Well, then. I should have answered the call. Could I have possibly avoided this? Why are they even here? A million questions flutter through my mind. “Mrs. Wick, are you there? I did check their IDs.” I'm sure he did. Not because he's so thorough, but my sisters and I are night and day in the looks department. I have always been the odd one out in every way.
“Yes, sorry.”
“Can I send them up?”
“Is that allowed?” I find myself whispering.
“They are your family, no?”
“Yes, they're my sisters.”
“Then I'll send them up.” He ends the call before I can try and protest.
This wasn't in the plans. Am I supposed to fake being married to them too? I glance around the luxurious condo I'm in, not seeing much of a choice. There’s no way in hell I’m giving them any more fuel to add to the fire when it comes to my life. They already have too many opinions as it is.
I key in the lock code and open the door as they step off the elevator. They're both dressed in a way that no one is going to accuse them of being the help, as I have been numerous times now.
They’re both tall and thin with full, thick blond hair. They could almost be twins, but Quinn’s eyes are green and her chin is more pointed, while Kate’s eyes are deep blue and her lips are now plumper too.
“How did you find me?” I blurt out before they can say a word. They're too busy scanning me from head to toe.
The skeptical expression is written across their pretty faces. They are both in heels with long coats. How they manage that in the snow is impressive. I'd bet anything they have dresses under them. They are always put together, but I find it predictable and boring. They call it fashion, but this isn't Nebraska.
“It's nice to see you too,” Kate says, the older of the two. She often takes the lead for them.
“We had your old address, and we went there. They were kind enough to give us your forwarding address, and here we are,” Quinn fills in.
“And here you are,” I repeat. I’m not sure that’s a good thing, but I guess we will see where this goes.
“Are you going to invite us in?” Kate's brows rise, and she gives me the same look my mom did growing up when I was doing something she didn't care for. Unfortunately, that was most things for me. I open the door wide and step back, letting them in.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, shutting the door behind me.
“We were in the city, so of course we wanted to see our baby sister.” Quinn gives me a sugary-sweet smile that I know is bullshit. There’s no doubt in my mind they have an ulterior motive.
