Ch. Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 34 Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 34

Chapter 3 

Soon as we got home, Cade set the suitcase down by the wall. 

I bent down for my slippers. 

Riley had already launched herself onto the couch, legs over the armrest. 

“Maya, I edited the photos in the car. Pick some and post them.” 

She tossed me her phone. It was open to the album. 

I scrolled. 

First few were scenery. Riley grinning in every one. 

I kept going. 

Then I stopped. 

A selfie. Riley tilting her head, phone covering half her face. 

Behind her was this stuffed figure in a suit. 

The same one Cade brought back from his work trip last month. 

I’d put it in the game room with my other stuff. 

I zoomed in. 

The angle, the setup-it matched exactly. 

Even though the background was cropped, I knew. 

That doll was from our house. 

But I’d been swamped at work for two months. I never invited her over. 

That’s why she was so pushy about this trip. 

I remember the day before the long weekend. 

38 

Chapter 3 

She called me, whining. 

“I haven’t seen you in two months. You keep this up and I’m seriously losing it. You can’t only pay attention to your man-I need to come first, not Cade…” 

The doll was bought a month ago. 

And I hadn’t invited her over in two months. 

So that photo… 

My head exploded. Everything went silent. 

“You pick one yet?” 

Riley’s voice drifted over, lazy. 

I didn’t answer. She gave me a shove. 

“Why are you always so slow? Whatever, I’m helping in the kitchen.” 

Water running. Cade washing vegetables. 

She squeezed past him. He shifted over. 

“Don’t get in my way.” 

“Who’s in the way? I’m great at this!” 

She took the greens and dunked them in the water. 

Cade started slicing meat. 

Riley piped up. “You need some fat in there. If it’s all lean it won’t taste good.” 

“Thinner… Thinner… God how are you so bad at this.” 

Her laugh echoed out. 

Every sound felt like a knife in my chest. 

One cooking, one prepping. They moved like they’d done this a hundred times. 

Four dishes done in no time. 

At the table Cade set the shrimp plate in the middle and slid the ribs toward Riley. 

and So Did My Love! 

28.2% 

Chapter 3 

“At least you’ve got some decency. Didn’t let me work for nothing.” 

Riley grabbed a piece, took a bite, closed her eyes like it was some gourmet shit. 

“Maya, try this. Your husband’s cooking’s gotten so good.” 

I picked one up. 

Tasted the same as always. 

Cade sat down and started peeling shrimp. 

First one in my bowl. Second one in my bowl. 

Third one-he reached past me and put it on Riley’s plate. 

I ate two bites. Put my fork down. 

“I’m done.” 

Cade kept peeling. 

“That’s all?” 

Shells cracking between his fingers. 

He kept going till every shrimp was peeled. 

Riley popped one in her mouth, talked through it. 

“Maya, if I can’t find a guy like your husband I’m never getting married.” 

I looked at her. Frowned a little. “Didn’t you used to hate him?” 

“That’s ’cause he stole you!” She pouted and grabbed my hand. 

“We’ve been best friends forever and after you got married you barely hung out with me. Of course I wasn’t happy.” 

“But like… as a boyfriend? He’s actually solid.” 

She said that last part looking straight at Cade. 

I smiled. Barely. 

“Maya?” Riley tilted her head. “You’ve been weird all day.” 

Chapter 3 

“Maybe I just don’t feel good.” 

I pushed my bowl forward. 

“I’m going to bed.” 

I stood. Riley reached across and grabbed my wrist. 

“I’ll stay with you.” 

She looked up, all concerned. 

“I’ll sleep in your room tonight. Cade can take the guest room.” 

Cade was clearing plates. 

He looked up. Glanced at Riley. 

“Don’t bother,” I said. 

“No, you look really bad. I’m worried.” 

She was already turning to Cade. 

“Hey. Go set up the guest room. Maya’s mine tonight.” 

Tomorrow’s the last day of the long weekend. 

And our anniversary. 

He said he had a surprise for me. 

Now I’m wondering if Riley’s part of it too. 

♡ (0) 

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Chapter 4 

Next morning, Cade was already dressed. Full suit. 

Looking all mysterious. 

“The band’s got a special show tonight. Don’t be late.” 

Riley poked her head out of the bathroom, mouth full of toothpaste. 

“Maya, I’m picking your outfit!” 

Obviously, she knew about it too. 

That evening we got to the theater. 

The whole way there we kept running into people from the band. 

Riley greeted every single one like she was the star of the night. 

She sat us down front row. 

Show hadn’t started yet. 

She leaned in close. 

“You know why Cade scheduled the show for today?” 

I looked at her. Tried to stay calm. 

“I know. It’s our three-year anniversary.” 

She blinked. Then muttered under her breath, 

“That big mouth. Can’t keep a secret for shit.” 

The lights dimmed. Show started. 

The band was playing Rachmaninoff. 

But I couldn’t focus on any of it.