Chapter 3Marry Now, Not Later

A dry, self-mocking laugh escaped my lips. I dragged myself out of bed and poured a glass of hot water. Back in the bedroom, I cranked up the heat, burrowed under two heavy comforters, and finally broke into a sweat. The shivering subsided.

At nine in the morning, Jeff finally walked in.

"God, I'm exhausted," he mumbled, "I'm gonna crash for a bit."

He fell onto the bed and was asleep in seconds, not even sparing me a glance.

"Where's the medicine I asked you to bring?"

Jeff stirred, blinking. "Oh, damn. Babe, I'm sorry. I was so exhausted from taking care of Amanda all night, I completely forgot. But you look fine today. I guess you're feeling better, right?"

He rolled over, and soon, the sound of his snoring filled the room.

I looked at my calendar. There was a lucky day early next month. Perfect for a wedding.

As dusk settled, Jeff finally woke up.

"Celeste, you didn't make dinner? I'm starving."

I was on the couch, watching TV, and didn't respond.

He finally seemed to realize I was angry and trotted over, nuzzling against me like a puppy.

"Babe, come on. Yesterday was an emergency. Don't be mad at me, okay?"

He rubbed his head against my shoulder. "I'm so hungry. I could really go for some of your homemade pasta."

He only ever called me 'babe' when he'd done something wrong and wanted forgiveness.

I pushed his head away, my eyes still fixed on the screen.

"If you're hungry, order takeout. I'm not obligated to cook for you."

Jeff sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll just go out and eat."

His patience for even pretending to soothe me had dwindled to about three minutes.

After that, we lived like strangers, two roommates who just happened to share a bed.

Two weeks later, Jeff came home with a crowd of his friends.

"Celeste! Surprise! Today is our seven-year anniversary! I invited everyone over to celebrate with us!"

I glanced at the people behind him. They were all his friends. I barely knew any of them.

And of course, Amanda was there.

"Celeste," she said, her voice dripping with fake sympathy, "I heard you've been giving Jeff the silent treatment ever since his birthday. I wanted to come today and clear the air. Jeff was just taking care of me that night because I had a sudden stomach flu. Nothing happened between us. He just sat by my bed all night."

I let out a soft chuckle. "You don't have to protest so much. It only makes you sound more guilty."

Jeff's face immediately darkened. "Celeste, stop picking on Amanda. You know you're the only woman for me."

They had brought supplies for a barbecue and soon the apartment was filled with smoke and the smell of grilled meat.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, someone suggested a game of Truth or Dare.

Jeff lost the first round. Amanda's eyes lit up. "Truth or Dare?"

"Truth," he said.

"Okay, I'm gonna ask," she chirped, her eyes darting mischievously towards me. "Jeff, you and Celeste have a ten-year age gap. Have you ever, even once, thought she was… old?"

She leaned in, adding playfully, "You have to tell the truth! I'll be mad if you don't!"

Jeff hesitated for a beat too long before finally sighing. "Yes."

The room exploded with laughter.

Amanda howled, slapping his arm. "Wow, Jeff, you're so honest! No wonder you called her an old crow! I thought you were just saying it because you were angry, but you really think she's old!"

My face flushed hot, as if I'd been slapped. My heart hammered against my ribs.

"You called me an old crow?"