Page 149 of My Husband Problem

“I do actually cook. Well, kind of,” she says. “You know I ruined the gravy on purpose, right?”

“I do know that. But I also know that you have led a very privileged life, practically a princess even before you married me, and cooks did a lot of work before you met Miles, who then did a lot of work.” I pause, then add. “I also know Bruce got you banned from the grocery store here unless you follow some rules.”

She looks surprised for a second before she realizes that there are no secrets in this town. “I think Bruce just does that to drum up business, and I intend to take it to the City Council.”

“Let me guess. The City Council is made up of people he went to high school with, people he’s related to, or people who he’s cooked for when they’ve broken legs, lost loved ones, or worked extra shifts. And hasn’t charged them in any of those instances?”

She smiles. “Or people who check all of those boxes.”

I chuckle. “Bruce can do whatever he wants when it comes to food in this town.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s go to Bruce’s.”

It takes us another hour and a half to get out of the house though, because why shower separately when you can shower together?

When we step through the door at Perks and Rec, and everyone turns to face us, my first thought is,this is normal. I’ve never come through that door without the entire place turning to look.

But then I register the fact that they look…different.

This isn’t curiosity or humor. Or censure.

This is…shock?

The entire place is shocked about something? What’s going on?

“Uh, hey, guys,” Nora suddenly appears in front of us. Alex is right behind her.

They both look concerned.

What the hell is going on?

“Hi.” Astrid says it hesitantly. She has clearly noticed the vibe in the room seems off as well. “What’s going on?” she asks, her voice dropping.

“You haven’t been answering your texts,” Nora says.

We look at one another. “We’ve been distracted,” Astrid says.

Nora flashes us a genuine smile for just a second. “Oh, that’s good!” Then she remembers there’s a problem. “But something happened. With Declan’s grandfather.”

My heart stops for a moment, and Astrid gasps.

“Oh God, no,” Nora says quickly. “Sorry! He’s fine. I meanreallyfine. That’s what he’s telling everyone.Everyone,” she emphasizes.

“What are you talking about?” I ask.

“There you are!”

We turn as Iris and Miles come through the door.

“What the hell, Declan?” Iris demands. “Youanswermy calls when I tell you it’s about Cara.”

“I don’t even have my phone with me,” I tell her, patting my pockets. Huh, I must have left it at home.

She gives me a look that says that is no fucking excuse.

It’s also highly unusual.