Page 92 of Six Month Wife

“I’m not rushing this,” I say with finality. “We have an agreement, and I trust her to do what she said. And I sure as hell want to do what I said.”

“So you’re going to drag this out?”

“No,” I say, calm now. “I’m not going to cut it short. I'm going to see it through, like I said I would.”

There’s a pause. Just long enough for me to think he might back off.

Then he lands the blow.

“She’ll leave you broke, embarrassed, and completely alone. And if you think otherwise, you're dumber than I thought you were.”

25

Adair

Today’s the day.The video call with Rose could mean everything for my product line if I can close a deal with her. I’ve gone over this meeting a hundred times in my head, but there’s always the nagging thought:What if I blow it?

I make my way to the private office in the back, where my laptop is set up on my desk. I’ve angled the camera right, ensuring the lighting makes Citrine look as pristine and inviting as possible.

The display of my products sits behind me, carefully arranged. This isn’t a meeting. It’s my audition to prove that my brand is worth the attention of a massive audience.

As the time for the call approaches, I smooth my dress, take a deep breath. I click to join the video meeting on the link Rose sent me yesterday. Within seconds, her face fills the screen.

She’s as stunning as I remember from her social media profile. Her flawless skin, bright eyes, and effortless charisma are what keep people hanging on her every word.

“Adair! Hi!” she chirps, waving at the camera. “It’s so great to finally meet you. Well, virtually, at least. Hopefully we can do it in person soon.”

“Yes, I would love that. It's nice to finally get to speak with you as well. Thank you so much for making time for this,” I say, smiling warmly. “I know your schedule must be insane.”

She waves off the comment with a laugh. “Oh, please. For Parker’s friend, I had to make time. He’s been so great to me, and I’m excited about what you’re doing with your products. Plus, I love supporting women-owned businesses.”

Friend. I’m his friend.

Stop. I can’t spiral now.

I smile and keep moving forward. “Of course he has. The man juggles surgeries and blood drives like it’s nothing. Someone should nominate this guy for Citizen of the Year.”

Rose laughs, and I follow with a quick pivot. “I sent over some samples. I hope you received them?”

“I did!” Rose leans out of frame for a moment and returns with a sleek package that I’d meticulously packed and shipped to her. She holds it up to the camera. “The presentation alone is beautiful. I could tell how much thought went into this.”

She’s so easy to like. I can see why he dated her. As much as I’d like to, I can’t hate her.

“Thank you,” I say, beaming. “I’m proud of these products. Everything is ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and designed to promote self-care without compromising the environment.”

Rose opens the package on screen, her movements are deliberate as she examines each product. “Okay, so this lavender body scrub? Smells divine. And the rosehip oilserum, yum! I already tried it last night before bed. Love how lightweight it feels. Seriously, Adair, you’re onto something here.”

Her praise feels like a wave of relief. “I’m so glad you like them. My goal has always been to create products that people can feel good about using, inside and out.”

Rose sets the products down and leans closer to the camera, her eyes sparkling. “And the fact that you’re running all of this while managing a wellness café? Total boss move. Parker told me how passionate you are about your business.”

There he is again. Parker. My pulse quickens.

“He’s been so great,” I admit carefully, not wanting to say too much. We are clearly in the friend zone, according to her. And this is about business, not about labeling whatever Parker and I are.

Rose grins knowingly. “He’s a great guy. A little flighty sometimes, but he’s truly got such a good heart. My fiancé, Alex, thinks he’s hilarious, too. They met at some fundraiser ages ago, before Alex and I started dating.”

Her casual mention of her fiancé sets me at ease. Rose has moved on, and it’s obvious she has no lingering feelings for Parker. I still can’t shake that maybe it’s Parker that’s still hung up on her.