Page 41 of First in Line

“Why?”

“Can you imagine what people would say if they knew the great Jackson Reyes is married to trailer park white trash from Colorado? The papers would have a field day with that information.”

The humorous edge she tries to give to her voice doesn’t hide her underlying insecurities. Does she mean this? Does she really think I mind?

“You were never that to me, Evie.”

“Really?”

“Of course not. Your mom, yes. But not you.”

She reflects on it for a moment, then says, “I think that’s why I never liked it when you call me ‘princess.’ It feels like you’re making fun of me. Like it’s ironic.”

“It’s not. It’s because of that jacket you wore the first time I met you. And because from the second I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted to treat you like one for the rest of my life.”

“It didn’t quite work out that way, did it?”

“And whose fault was that?”

Louis chooses this moment to return from his shower, wrapped in nothing but a white towel at his hips.

“Come on, man. Tokyo’s calling!”

Without waiting for my answer, he returns to the locker room.

“What was that?” Evie asks.

“Nothing. We’re heading to Tokyo after the press conference to celebrate my birthday.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re not alone.”

Her insinuation is a little offensive. That’s why I sound defensive when I say, “I have friends, Evangeline.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Like, three.”

“I know.”

“Okay, maybe two.”

“That makes more sense. You’re hard to like.”

I chuckle.This little…“I’d rather think I’m an acquired taste.”

“You’re definitely that, yes.”

Ten seconds pass until she decides to end this. “Anyhow, it’s late here. I need to go to bed. Happy birthday again, Hot Wheels. Have fun in Tokyo.”

“Thank you, princess.”

She hangs up first, and I’m left staring at my phone in one hand and the locket in the other. Are these calls going to become a recurring thing? She hasn’t signed the papers yet, and no matter what she says, I find it suspicious. If she’s so eager to marry her fiancé, then those documents should already be signed and filed.

Instead, she’s stalling for some reason.

“Dude, come on!” Louis shouts from the locker room.

Jesus fucking Christ.