Page 112

Story: Ill Will

Spring was in the air, and it was only getting warmer as the sun beat down on the ground. In the nights and mornings, winter was trying to hang on. It only lost the battle in the day. Daffodils were already blossoming, and I knew the other spring flowers would soon follow. I loved the time when nature came alive from the quiet of winter.
It reminded me of Gram. Her garden would soon be filled with tulips, her favorite flower.
“So, how is being a rich wife going?”
“It’s fun. I’m sure you saw how many books I bought.”
“I did. And the house is looking good. I can’t believe how fast you filled it up.”
“That was mostly Levi. His mom and stepmom insisted they get all of the stuff from his apartment and moved it in the next day.”
“So, that’s all his?”
“His stepmom made him get rid of the ugly things.”
She hummed. “And how areotherthings? Are you gonna talk to him about what you were upset about in the car?”
I should, but that kind of ask would mean admitting that I wanted this to be closer to real. And I wasn’t sure if that was something I was ready to say.
“I’ll try,” I said.
“Marriage is about communication.”
“Can we get our coffee before you interrogate me more?” I asked.
“Fine, but you can’t keep me away forever.”
She walked up to the counter and I took a steadying breath to calm myself before following her.
“Can I get a red eye?” I ordered.
“Is that a good idea, considering your migraines?” Emma asked.
Today was the kind of day where I didn’t care about my caffeine consumption. I was getting something that would wake me up, and that was all there was to it.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it. What are you getting? I’ll pay.”
That got her to stop worrying about me. “I guess I can’t question you too much since you have the money now. Can I get a vanilla latte?”
Without thinking, I pulled out Levi’s card and handed it to the barista.
“Is that yours?”
“Mine is in the mail.”
“So it’s Levi’s?”
“What, did you think he gave me an allowance?”
“Kinda. I didn’t think he’d give you access to that much money.”
“We’re married. It’s what married people do.”
“Not all married people. He has to trust you for that.”
“He does.” Kind of. Not really, in some ways. But I definitely didn’t need to tell her that.
I quickly paid and then turned to see if there were any free tables. I spotted Riley cleaning one in the corner.

Table of Contents