“Well, shit, I could have told you that was dumb.”

“Yeah, thanks for the input.” I push off the wall.

“Well, what now?”

“I have no fucking clue. I’m still reeling from that kiss. A part of me wants to see if something is still there, but I already signed the papers, I apologized, and I told her she could be free, which I know is what she wants. I don’t want to get in the way of her happiness because I’m too scared to let go.”

“You signed the papers?”

I nod. “It was the only way I knew how to make things better, to give her a sliver of relief from the hell I’ve put her through. She wanted out, man. I could see it all over her face and how she spoke the truth to me. I didn’t want to stand in the way anymore. Holding this wedding over her was stupid, and trying to win her back was stupid. I should have let her go when she first asked.”

“But you still love her.”

“Doesn’t matter. Love isn’t enough in this situation,” I mutter. “And now, fuck, now she’s here, doing me a goddamn favor, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold it together. I’m already a mess.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed, but you know, I didn’t want to say anything.”

“Wow, thanks.”

“Do you think there’s a chance you can still salvage this?”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so.” Although that kiss felt so fucking real, even though it was probably all for show.

“I don’t think you’re right. I think there could be a chance.” He grips my shoulder. “Can I ask you one thing?”

“Yeah.”

Looking me in the eyes, he asks, “Are you two sharing a hotel room?”

I swallow hard and nod. “We are.”

Lips pressed together, he nods. “Yeah, I very well think there might be a chance.”

* * *

Tonight, we’re supposed to mingle, taste wine, eat some meats and cheeses, and just enjoy being in the presence of love.

I wish that were the case because it’s not for me. I can’t be too sure about Myla. She seems so relaxed, it’s throwing me off. Maybe she’s not that uptight or tense because I signed the papers. Maybe she does feel free, and that’s why this charade is so easy for her. She knows that after this, she’s done.

“I’m not about to create drama around someone else’s wedding, okay? So let’s just do this wedding thing and then move on.” Move on. That’s her heart’s desire.

Whereas I know this is the last time I will be holding her, touching her, kissing her. Even if it is all for show. It’s the last time.

The last time I’ll say good night to her.

The last time I’ll see her all cuddly and adorable in the morning.

The last time I’ll get to tell her how beautiful she looks, even if it is in the privacy of our hotel room. After these next couple of days, it’s all over.