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“We’ll see if that’s true the longer he ignores you.”
“You have no idea what our marriage is like.”
“Oh yeah? I bet it’s quiet. He works all the time and you’re left at home by yourself. I can tell by the bags under your eyes that you had one of those headaches of yours. And I have a feeling he didn’t even notice.”
I laughed. Everything she said was wrong. I shrugged. “If that makes you feel better.”
“Calvin tells me how jealous you are. About how you’ll do anything to pull ahead. And marrying Levi? We both know it’s not because you love him. You might love his money, though.”
I wasn’t going to let her make me feel bad about my marriage. Not after everything Levi and I had been through.
“You know, I was hoping to catch up with you, but your conversation skills suck. I’m gonna go to where I’m actually appreciated.”
“So you’re just gonna stand by his side like a good little wife?”
“No. You might have missed it, but myfavoriteseat is open.”
I brushed by her and walked right to my husband. And without another word, I plopped myself right into his lap.
Levi didn’t miss a beat. His hand curled onto my hip, pulling me closer.
“Hi, darling.” His voice was low and warm. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I missed you,” I said loud enough for everyone to hear, but I leaned in and lowered my voice. “And my former friend Ava is here.”
“Is this all for show?”
“Well, itisa comfortable seat.”
“It’s always open for you.”
His hand tightened on my hip and I turned to everyone and asked what I’d missed.
The conversation between Levi and his clients went well, and I smiled whenever they laughed. Eventually, we moved to one of the other rooms to let someone else have the one chair, yet Levi’s arm was still slung around me no matter where we went.
“I got one of them to send me the offer letter they received,” Levi said once we’d broken from the group. “I didn’t think I could do that. They seemed to only want attention.”
“And the free food.”
“Is this what he does? Charms people with these parties?”
“It’s not just the parties. People have always been drawn to Calvin. He makes them feel what they want, and ultimately, he gets what he wants. It’s how it works.”
“Flattery doesn’t work on everyone.”
“Does it not?” I asked. “He gets all the attention.”
Levi opened his mouth to argue, but we were interrupted by cheers for the man of the house. Calvin came out, all smiles, as he saw everyone.
It dropped when he saw us.
I excused myself to get a drink, Levi following me. Calvin found us not long after.
“Hi,” he said, looking in between the two of us as Levi slid an arm around me. “There’s the happy couple. I can’t believe I missed the wedding.”
“I can,” Levi said. “Considering I told you to leave.”
He shrugged as if it were water under the bridge, but his eyes zeroed in on Levi. “Always good to see you. Tell me, did it get any better after I left?”