Chapter 8
My assistant quietly filled me in on everything.
Jake and River had landed jobs at some startup run by a sleazy forty–something dude.[]
The company had strict no–dating policies, so Jake and River hid their marriage.[]
Whenever Jake wasn’t around, River went back to playing her little card games, and quickly hooked up with the boss.
When Jake found out, he completely lost it and beat the crap out of the guy.
They both got fired and had to pay damages that wiped them out financially.[]
After that, River decided Jake was too broke and ran off with the boss. Word was she even got an abortion.[]
What a mess.
mess.
Preston grabbed my hand and nuzzled his head against my arm.[]
When we first got together, I wasn’t used to seeing this soft side of him.[]
Now I just pushed him away stone–faced: “Stop it.“]
Those years working under Preston were the most brutal but transformative of my life.
He taught me how to read people, navigate office politics, maximize efficiency, and constantly push past my limits.[]
Everyone saw him as this ruthless, sharp–tongued slave driver.]]–
I’d complained about him plenty behind his back, but eventually realized his methods actually worked.]]
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
When Preston confessed his feelings, my first instinct was to run.[]
Fat chance. He knew me too well, stuck to me like glue.
Now, looking at the ring on my finger, I thought about how Preston was the type of guy who succeeded at everything he touched.
“Isn’t getting married after dating for two weeks a little rushed?“]
Preston dramatically covered his mouth, eyes welling up with fake tears.
“Are you trying to dodge responsibility for what we did?”
! rolled my eyes and agreed to fly back next week to meet his parents.
The moment we walked into the Hayes house, Preston’s mom grabbed me like I was some precious artifact.
“This boy’s had a sharp tongue since he was little. Made so many girls cry in school.“]
“Only got worse with age. People cross the street to avoid him. I was convinced he’d die alone.”
“Sweetie, if he’s forcing you into this, just blink twice. I’ll understand.”
Preston’s dad, pretending to read his newspaper upside down, snorted:[]
“Him bringing home a girlfriend is miracle–level stuff. Even our dog would celebrate with fireworks.“]
“Should probably call his comatose aunt–shock like this might wake her up.”
I looked at Preston sitting calmly on the couch like this was totally normal.]
Well, that explained a lot.
Then I stared at the dining table covered with what had to be a hundred and eight different dishes.[]
Preston mentioned his parents had been cooking for three days straight.]
“Food prepared, do not waste.“]
These people had serious stamina.[]
I smiled and walked around the entire table, sampling every single dish while they watched expectantly.
77.8%
Chapter &
Preston’s mom thoughtfully took notes on my opinions of each course.
By the end, I was practically holding my stomach as we left.]]
Preston walked with me along the riverfront.[]
I thought for a long time before speaking:
“Preston, when we have kids someday, you’re not allowed to teach them anything.“[]
Preston started jumping around yelling, “You want to have babies with me?!“]
His voice attracted stares from other people walking by. That’s when I caught sight of a familiar figure.
“Jake?”
