Page 9 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

I touched my throat and swallowed, remembering choking from the smoke and how terrifying it was to see the flames coming closer. I was confused, lost, and terrified, feeling death could come at any moment—until I heard Travis’s voice amid the screams and crying from the main room.

America slowly sat down on the loveseat, letting her hands and the remote sag between her legs. “Emily Heathington died in that basement. She was in my water aerobics class,” America said, laughing without humor. “She hated the water. She said the thought of going under and having anything between her and a deep breath made her feel claustrophobic. She took the class to try and face her fear. For her to die like that ... it’s almost a sick joke.”

“Mare,” I warned, noticing Travis’s expression.

“I’m so glad you got out,” America said, wiping her cheek. “I don’t know what we would have done if something had happened to either of you.” She stood, tossing the remote to Travis. “Yes. Even you, asshole.”

Travis caught the slender black rectangle with one hand, turning back toward the kitchen. “Should we go to Sig Tau?”

“I just went,” Shepley said. “It’s pretty quiet over there. A lot of guys sitting around staring at the floor.”

“They were talking about holding a fundraiser,” America said.

Travis nodded. “Yes. We should definitely do that.”

“Travis,” Shepley said. “How are you going to pay the rent now? Any money Adam had on him from the fight was confiscated so we’re out what we would’ve been paid. That would’ve taken us through the summer, and we have no more money coming in.”

“I get a fuckin’ job,” Travis said, leaning back.

America wrinkled her nose. “Doing what? All you’ve ever done for money is throw punches.”

I frowned at her, but she just shrugged.

“We’ll figure out something,” I said. “I saw an ad for a Calculus tutor on the cork board by the door in class before break. I'm going to look into that.”

“Good for you,” Shepley grumbled. “I suck at math.”

Travis made a face. “Your parents pay your bills. Not sure what you’re crying about.”

“It was nice not to have to ask,” Shepley said.

“We won’t find anything that pays that good, I guaran-fucking-tee you that.” Two lines formed between Travis’s brows. He exhaled, shaking his head.

“Like you said,” I rubbed his back, “we’ve got two incomes. It’s okay that you’ll make less. Even by half.”

“I’m going to miss that money,” Travis said, staring off. “I had a lot of plans for us.”

“Like a car?” I asked.

He stifled a smile. “Don’t you worry about that.”

I playfully smacked him. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I’ve got that covered.”

“Did you buy us a car?” I asked, sitting up. I’d never owned a car before.

Travis’s only mode of transportation was his Harley Night Rod. Although he looked incredibly sexy riding it, it wasn’t practical, more than a bit drafty in the winter, and impossible in the rain.

We’d been relying on Shepley to either give us a ride or let us borrow his car, but now that we were married, that would change. Everything would change. We were no longer college kids who could depend on others for a ride, we were a married couple and there was a certain expectation—mostly on ourselves—to be responsible and self-sufficient.

Marriage was so much more than a ceremony and promises. I had never thought twice about Travis having a roommate when I was just his girlfriend, but marriage made that feel different, too. Just like not having a vehicle was different, or jobs, or ... The reality of it all began to weigh on me, and I sunk back into the couch.

Travis frowned, concerned with my reaction. “What, baby?”

Shepley chuckled. “Now you’re really broke.”

“I still have some cash left. I did save, ya know. And, on the bright side, with a car, we definitely don’t need you here all the time,” Travis grumbled.