Page 46 of Put a Rink on It

What is she saying?

On the one hand, at least he made it believable enough even she can’t poke holes in it. But on the other, where is she getting the sense of him loving me from?

He doesn’t love me.

The whole thing’s fake.

“And you had no idea?”

“None.” That’s the complete truth. I was in the dark about everything other than shopping for the ring.

Ettie pulls my hand toward her, inspecting the ring more closely.

“It’s gorgeous. So pretty. And gigantic.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s ridiculous, but if he had his way, it would be bigger.”

“It’s so you. Did you guys talk about rings?”

I don’t want to elaborate too much. Anything I say to her, I have to remember in case it comes up with other people. Where’s Nero’s notebook when you need it to keep track of the details?

“Maybe like once or twice in passing.”

“You’ve been friends for like ever, so it’s not a surprise he knows you so well. When did you start dating?”

I should have known she wouldn’t let that go. My heart rate quickens, but instead of answering her question, I stall with, “Want to go out to lunch? My treat.”

“Only if we can grab cookies at Shuga Cookies after.”

“Deal.”

Should I be ashamed I fed my sister alcohol to avoid her asking all the questions about my relationship?

Oh, well. She didn’t seem to mind. And I didn’t let her get drunk, so there’s that.

As I’m pulling down her street, my phone lights up with Nero’s name, and Juliet swipes to answer. “Future brother-in-law, what’s up?”

“Uh, hey, Juliet. You’re still with Marina?”

“Well, she’s dropping me off at my house now. We had lunch and got cookies.”

“So you’ll be home soon, Ships?”

“Five minutes. Why?”

“I’m here.”

I direct the car into Juliet’s driveway.

Juliet bounces in her seat. “I’m not going home if he’s here. He’s got some explaining to do. To your house, sis.”

Nero’s laugh rattles over the line. “See you both soon.” The call disconnects.

I’ve lost count of how many times nerves have invaded my body since this morning. First at Nero’s apartment, and more since Juliet showed up at my house.

I rest my head against the seat, my eyes closing, knowing what I have to do because I don’t want to do this twice.

Steeling my shoulders and expelling a deep breath, I open my eyes. On my phone, I hit my mother’s contact. It rings twice before she answers. “Hello, Marina.”