Read Online Crushing Crystal by Evan Marshall - Free Book Online Page A

different coasts, but I loved you, and”—he paused to gauge my reaction to his proclamation—“and, I guess what I’m really trying to get at here, is I still love you and I don’t want things to end between us here.”
    You don’t? Jesus Christ, Matt, if you think we had bad timing the first go ’round, you have no idea what we’re up against now.
    Matt got down on his knee right there on the sidewalk, and smiled at me tentatively, not his usual cocky grin. “Prudence Malone, will you marry me?”
    Mmmmmmmarry you? Did you just say you want me to marry you?
    â€œOkay,” slipped out. “Yes, yes, Matt, I will marry you,” I smiled.
    Just as soon as I figure out what to do with my not-so-dead husband, Reilly.

Chapter 6
    C indy was supposed to leave early Sunday afternoon, so I was surprised to find her waiting for me in Eve’s hotel room. It was clear the moment I walked in, I was in trouble. Cindy tapped a small pad of paper on the glass-top desk where she was sitting. Would she take notes? Issue a citation?
    Eve was in the soft chair, but did not look one bit casual. It was an intervention.
    â€œGet in the car,” Cindy commanded.
    I laughed. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œGet. In. The. Car,” she said. “We’re both taking you to the airport.”
    Why am I frightened that we’re not going to the airport at all?
    â€œOkay, but do you mind if I ask what this is all about?”
    Gee I wonder, half-wit.
    â€œLook, I’m not one to piss around, so why don’t we get right to it,” Cindy said, while Eve held my arm and led me to the car. I was being taken down to the station. Shit, why couldn’t I enjoy the first two hours of my engagement? “You slept with Matt last night, didn’t you?”
    â€œWhy are you asking me this?” I stalled, knowing this would not be the time to suggest a celebratory round of drinks. “That’s kind of a, wow, I don’t know. Why do you want to know?”
    Driving down Washtensaw, we left Ann Arbor under a tunnel of autumn leaves and hit the stark freeway. “I ask because I want to know. Did you sleep with Matt Reynolds?” I said nothing. “Okay, that’s clearly a yes. Why then did you sleep with Matt Reynolds?”
    â€œCome on, Cindy,” I begged. “It’s not like he’s a strange guy I hooked up with at a bar. It’s Matt.”
    Eve was softer in her direct, but still she too was pissed at me. Why were they angry at me? They each seemed personally betrayed by my fling-turned-engagement. And they only knew half the story. “What about Reilly?” Eve nodded in the rearview mirror. “Did you ever consider that this would kill him?”
    â€œYou guys, you don’t understand. This is Matt. Matt Reynolds. I love him. I. Love. Him. Not only do I love him, I love the sound of saying ‘I love him.’ That’s how much I love him.” I rested my head on the front passenger seat. “I really love this guy.” I thought my friends would come around on that. Who couldn’t understand losing one’s head for love?
    â€œOkay, but you’re married,” Cindy said to the road. “If it’s such true love then go home, divorce Reilly, then sleep with Matt.”
    â€œCome on, Cindy, that’s unrealistic. You’re in the heat of the moment and you stop and say, ‘let’s put this on hold for a few months’ ?”
    â€œYes!”
    I was incredulous. “Come on Eve, surely you’re with me on this one.”
    â€œWell there is such a thing as self-control, Prudence,” she replied.
    Maybe this is why your life is numbingly dull, I did not say aloud.
    â€œI mean how would you feel if Reilly cheated on you?” Eve continued. The truth dropped on me like a ten-pound bag of sand. I wouldn’t care .
    Â 
    Â 
    Where Eve and Cindy left off, Guilt