Page 18 of The Fake Husband
I always thought Alice had the personality of a wet tissue, but she apparently can be pretty funny.
In case she hasn't noticed, I have moved on. So far beyond Derek that he's practically in my rearview mirror. The fact that she goes out of her way to be mean to me on HER wedding day speaks volumes about their relationship.
God, why are they so bothered about me? On that note, why are they so obsessed with my love life?
"Sometimes, Vegas weddings are for couples who don't need an audience for validation," I say.
"That's nice, but it doesn't exactly scream stability."
"Neither do affairs."
Derek appears to Alice's right, pulling her close to him. "Nadine, there you are. I see Alice has found you. We wanted to make sure you were having a good time. It means a lot that you came." He pauses, looking around the terrace with exaggerated curiosity. "Where's River? I never got the chance to say hi to him properly."
"Getting drinks."
Alice trills with another laugh."How convenient that he keeps disappearing."
Derek chuckles. "Alice, come on."
River appears with two drinks and moves directly to my side. One drink pressed into my hand, his other hand finding my hip.
Derek sees River, and something flickers across his face. "River."
"Derek." River's tone matches—neutral, cool. That's it. No handshake. No "good to see you." Just two men who don't like each other pretending civility.
Alice smiles. "I was just asking Nadine about your wedding. It's such a surprise."
River's thumb traces small circles against my hip. "The people who mattered knew."
Derek's gaze flicks to River's hand, then back to him. "I knew you were a mechanic, River, but I don't think I ever caught where you worked. One of the chains, maybe?"
Oh, Derek.
You just made a mistake.
You think River is some chain-shop mechanic who changes oil for minimum wage.
You think I settled.
Let me show you exactly how wrong you are.
River doesn't take the bait. "I own a shop, actually."
"Oh?" Derek's eyebrows lift like this is the most fascinating revelation since gravity. "Which one?"
Stepping in before Derek can patronize River any further, I let my smile stay sweet. "James Auto. You know, the one on Third Street? Vintage Chevy in the window that changes every month?" I pause, letting it sink in. "Biggest classic car restoration shop in the city. River rebuilt a 1970 Plymouth Superbird last year. Sold it at auction for three hundred thousand dollars, but you wouldn't have heard of it since you only go to chains."
The silence that follows is fucking delicious. Derek's smile stretches thin, the edges brittle. Alice's perfect posture stiffens further.
"Oh, and he owns the commercial property the shop sits on. Bought it outright. No mortgage."
Derek's complexion shifts from his normal tan to a mottled red that starts at his neck and creeps upward. His jaw flexes, like he's grinding his back teeth into powder.
Alice waves a dismissive hand. "Well, money isn't everything?—"
I nod. "You're absolutely right, Alice. Money isn't everything. That's why I married someone who actually respects me instead of someone who likes going on side quests every now and then."
I deliver this in my sweetest voice, my smile never wavering.
