“I’m fine. I fell yesterday on my run.”
She doesn’t believe me. She looks around the restaurant. “Where’s the big guy?”
She’s referring to Anton. She has a little crush on him. “He’s off today.”
“I didn’t know he took days off.”
“He does.”
She nods slowly. Sometimes I wish I could tell her everything about my life.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re actually considering this Sokolov dude’s proposal?”
I almost laugh at her description of him. And if she’d seen him, she would understand. Or maybe she wouldn’t. He’s older and not exactly her type.
“I’m not,” I lie.
“This isn’t medieval Europe. You don’t have to marry some warlord just because he’s demanding it.”
“I know that.”
“From where I’m sitting, it sounds like he’s trying to steal your freedom. You’re already dealing with a lot with your dad’s health.”
“I know.”
“The second you marry him, does that mean everything you have becomes his too? Everything you’ll inherit?”
That’s exactly what this is, though she doesn’t know I’ll inherit much more than my father’s wealth.
“You don’t need him,” she says. “You’ll be so rich, you won’t need to entertain any warlord offers.”
I smile at her lack of comprehension. “Assuming my father leaves everything to me, yes.”
“Then why are you even thinking about it?”
Because he could protect me. Because I wanted to stay.
“I’m not,” I lie. “I already turned him down.”
“Good.” She picks up her fork, stabbing at her bowl. “Because if you’d said yes, I would’ve had you committed for a psych evaluation.”
I laugh. “It was just surprising, that’s all. I knew you would think it was funny.”
“I’m getting a weird vibe here. Like you’re actually thinking about this.”
“I’m not thinking about it,” I insist. “I’m just—processing. That’s all.”
“Good. So, what does he look like in person? Is he dangerous? Scars?”
I laugh again. “No. He’s not that bad.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrows rise. “Do tell.”
“There’s nothing to tell. He’s attractive. Older. Muscled.” I say the last part just to get a reaction out of her.
“Oh, shoot, maybe I want to marry him.”
And this is why I need Tori in my life. She keeps me grounded. Makes me laugh.