“Yeah, I’m good. I had a bit of a…” I clear my throat. “Pulled a muscle or something.”

Brandy takes a final step toward me and peers down, her eyebrows still drawn together in annoyance.

“Mal!” she gasps, clutching her invisible pearls while wearing a dress as short as a napkin.

I tumble away from my husband, watching as he flashes her a completely charming, casual smile and stands up. He is sporting a huge erection through his cargo pants, his lips are swollen and look as if he just ate a glazed doughnut, and his hair is messy and delicious and silky as flower petals.

Right now, he looks so delightful, I know there’s absolutely no way on Earth I will ever give him up.

“Hey, Britney.”

“Brandy.” She exposes her teeth, her cheeks red with fury.

“Right.” He puts his hands on his hips. “How can I help you?”

“Is this a fling or…?” She points her finger between us, narrowing her eyes at Mal.

He exhales sharply, blowing away a lock of his shiny, overgrown hair that has fallen across his bandana, and pretends to think about it.

“Well, I asked her to marry me this morning. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. I asked her eight years ago, but she said no. This time she said yes. And so, for the past few hours we’ve been legally married, which makes me lean toward serious. What say you, Mrs. Doherty?” He turns to look at me, stroking his chin. “It’s not friendship bracelets, but it’s a step in the right direction, no?”

I offer him a noncommittal shrug. “Looks like I’m going to keep you for now. No offense, Brandy,” I mimic her condescending tone.

I’ve never seen anyone rush out of a room so fast. She looks horrified. I’m half-sad for her. But I’m completely happy for myself, because when Mal scoops me in his arms and lifts me in the air, and we’re both defying gravity and logic and the worlds we’ve built for the past decade.

I swear I don’t even notice when he puts me back down.

I’m floating on a thick, heavenly cloud.

But because I’m still in the dark, bathing in the unknown, a minute from forcing the truth out of him, I know the bubble is going to burst.

A NOTE FROM BRANDY

*Taps mic*

Is this thing on?

Oh. Hi. Brandy here. I guess I should explain myself.

Let me start by saying, the token trashy girl never knows she plays that role, you know?

No one would ever audition for the part, let alone willingly play along.