Page 27 of Six Month Wife

“So, tell me,” Bets asks, swirling her water with a little too much focus. “Did you get the chance to review the new business idea I showed you? I’m eager to hear your thoughts.”

Our big meeting got sidelined last week when she started talking about a new development project. It's classic Bets, always thinking of innovative ways to grow. Little does she know, my foundation isn't stable enough to pivot, yet. Although it should be.

Now that we’re here, though, I have a feeling she’s going to want some hard answers.

And I'm not ready to go there.

“Not yet,” I answer candidly. I can’t even manage what I have, much less consider expanding.

She smiles indulgently at me. “Makes sense. You are laser-focused on your own company. Not to worry. We have time for the other project. How’s Citrine doing, anyway? You’re not just keeping it open, right? You’re growing it?”

I take a breath and give her my most confident smile. “It’s going fine. A little slow at times, but nothing I can’t handle. We’ve got some solid regulars, and I’m making adjustments where I need to make sure we focus on what works.”

The monthly check payments from Parker are helping relieve some of the immediate strain. They keep the lights on and the shelves stocked, but Citrine’s still hanging on by the edges. I don't want to just keep the lights on. I have bigger aspirations.

I'm just not there yet.

Until the estate clears and I get the rest, I’m treading water with glossy labels and too much caffeine. I'm going to need to do something else in the short term.

Bets leans in, her eyes bright with genuine curiosity. “That sounds good. What do you need to take it to the next level? You know, if there’s anything I can do?—”

Besides a magic wand, a celebrity endorsement, and a business degree from Harvard? I want to say, but I smileinstead. Humor is always my go-to when I'm uncomfortable. But she deserves more than that from me.

"Thank you for that. You know I'll let you know if there is."

"I can tell by your face that you're stressing more than you're letting on. I'm going to let you work through it, but don't think you have to face it alone. You know I've been in your shoes. I know how this goes."

I wave my hand, brushing away her concern, trying to ease her into the realization that it’s under control, even though it sometimes feels like a house of cards waiting to collapse.

“It’s a matter of time, Bets. East Coast life is different. I’m still finding my footing here, but we're good.”

She gives me a knowing look, one I’ve seen a hundred times before. “I get it, but you’re one of the smartest people I know, Adair. Don't sell yourself short. And don't be a hero, not asking anyone for help.”

A twinge of guilt shudders through me. She’s right. I should lean on her more, but I'm too ashamed right now. She's done so much for me.

Also, a part of me wants to prove I can do it, even if the only one I’m fooling is myself. I’m not ready to ask for more help. “I know. Thank you for always believing in me.”

Bets raises an eyebrow. “Stop it. You're being melodramatic.”

I nod, but before I can respond, she presses on. "What about your life? It can't be all work and no play. You'll burn out faster than a Chinese lantern.”

I stiffen slightly. It’s that question again, the one I’ve been dodging since I relocated here from LA. I don't have time for a social life at this stage of my life.

“I still don’t have much time to make local friends. AndI have no interest in dating, really, at the moment,” I say, the words coming out almost automatically. “My focus is on Citrine right now, and that's it.”

Which technically isn’t a lie. I’m not dating. Sleeping with my fake husband neighbor doesn't count… right?

Twice, nearly a year apart, doesn't qualify as a relationship. Even if one of those times was so good, I saw stars and forgot my name for a full minute.

Bets grins knowingly. “Trust me when I tell you that a healthy balance is part of the winning recipe to being successful. That's why I insisted on the club. You’re always so focused on your career, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have time for other things. You need to make time.”

I can’t stop the laugh that escapes. “I hear you. And I will.”

While scrambling to save, I want to add. That’s the truth. The pressure’s so heavy I barely have a libido.

Well, except maybe with one ridiculously hot doctor, who is now my husband. I can't go into that with her right now. Soon, but we aren't there yet.

Bets doesn’t miss a beat. Her eyes twinkle, clearly savoring my discomfort. “I’m not going to stop bugging you about this. I’ll give you a little space today, but be warned, I’m very serious about this subject.”