Chapter 61
Gypsy raised her hand, clearly ready to slap me back, but before she could even react, Natasha stepped forward and caught her wrist mid–air.
“Don‘,” Natasha said, calm but firm. “You really don’t want to make the wrong kind of headlines”
Gypsy blinked at her, caught off guard. I didn’t say anything. I just gave her one last glare before turning on my heel and walking off. Natasha was right behind me.
Back at the Airbnb, I dropped onto the couch and let out a frustrated sigh. “Gypsy is a walking mood.”
Natasha tossed her
er purse onto the kitchen counter. “Then let’s fix our mood. Come on, let’s cook. You do remember how to, right?”
“Barely, I muttered, already dragging myself off the couch.
We pulled open the cabinets and fridge, rummaging through what was left from the grocery run. Natasha threw me an apron and tied hers with dramatic flair.
“Alright, Chef Ellen I want pasta. But not the lazy kind. The one with the cream sauce.”
“You’re so demanding.”
“And you love me for it.”
The kitchen filled with sizzling, chopping, and laughter. I stirred the sauce while Natasha whipped up a salad, singing off–key to a random playlist. We talked about everything and nothing.
“So, what will you do when you see him again?” she asked while draining the pasta.
“I don’t know. I haven’t even called him.
him. I just needed space.
“He’s probably pacing around like a lovesick idiot.”
“He’s too composed for that”
Natasha raised an eyebrow. “Girl, he kissed your neck in front of his staff. I don’t think he’s that composed”
I laughed despite myself
We finally sat down to eat both of us starving. Natasha moaned dramatically over a bite. “Damn, we’re good.”
I took a bite of my own. “It actually tastes like real food.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“So,” she said, pointing her fork at me. “Want to hear my unsolicited advice?
“As always.”
She leaned in. “Look at it from Karl’s point of view. Everything’s happened fast. The marriage, the media, the feelings. He might just want to be careful,”
I poked at my pasta.
“I know it hurt when he said no to making it official. But he didn’t say no to you. He said he needs time. And maybe he’s right. Maybe going slow is smart”
I sighed. “I just don’t want to feel like I’m being string along.”
“You’re not. You’re not some girl he hooked up with at a bar. You’re his wife. Even if it started out as a contract, it sure as hell doesn’t look that way anymore.”
I smiled a little, her words warming me more than the wine we were sipping.
The next few days flew by. We took walks, cooked new things, and talked until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. I didn’t check my phone once. Not even out of temptation.
When the week ended, I felt lighter. Not fixed, but better.
Chapter 61
I zipped my suitcase closed and stood by the door. Natasha sat on the couch, sipping coffee.
You sure you’re ready to go back?” she asked.
“Yeah, I said. “I actually miss him. Even if he drives me insane half the time”
She stood up and hugged me tight.
Then
make things work. Slowly, smartly, but honestly. And please, let him know I helped save your mental health.”
I laughed. “Tll name a dish after you. Pasta Natasha.”
“Better be extra cheesy.”
I opened the door, suitcase in hand. I glanced back one more time.
Thank you,” I said softly.
Natasha winked. “Don’t make it weird.”
stepped outside and took a breath, but before I could even make it down the steps, everything around me went black. My knees -buckled, and the last thing I heard was Natasha yelling my name.
G
