A Question of Marriage Read Free

gone, they resumed their conversation.
    “Honestl y, I don’t know what I expected,” he admitted, then picked up his glass of water taking a sip.
    “I warned you this would happen if you kept carrying on the way you have. I heard you broke Edgar’s nose , is that true?”
    Jordan shrugged. “I guess, anyway the prick deserved it.”
    “What did your father say?”
    “He b asically issued me an ultimatum get married or lose everything.”
    “Ouch that’s kind of harsh, isn’t it?”
    “Not to him it isn’t, apparently he thinks it’s the perfect solution.”
    “I see, so who’s the lucky girl?”
    “I was thinking you and I could get married.”
    Payton stared at Jordan as if all his marbles had fallen to the floor.
    “Are you insane? We cannot get married.”
    “Why not, we have a lot in common . I think a marriage between us would work?”
    Payton rolled her eyes. “That’s desperation talking.”
    “Look Payton bottom line is you’re the only one I can trust to help me.”
    “You mean I’m the only one that isn’t after your money.”
    “There’s that and the fact that we’ve been friends for a long time, you know me better than anyone.”
    Leaning back in her chair Payton stared at Jordan for a moment, he was actually serious about carrying out this absurd plan.
    “Jordan you’re a brilliant attorney. As far as marriage material you’re not. You remind me of a carnival ride. Every woman has ridden you and there’s still some waiting in line for their opportunity.”
    “Ha ha, very funny,” he gave her a dirty look. “I’m glad you think so highly of me.”
    Payton shrugged. “Just being honest,”
    Jordan leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. “Just think of it as a business arrangement, you help me and I help you.”
    Payton crinkled her brow in confusion. “What do you mean?”
    “If I recall you mentioned something a while back about wanting to start your own magazine, I can provide the capital you need to do it.”
    Payton’s eyes narrowed. “How could you use my dreams as a bribe to get me to help you?”
    “It was the only thing I could think of. My entire future is in jeopardy.”
    “Whose fault is that? You were the one who chose to let his dick rule his head, that’s why you’re in this mess. No one held a gun to your head and made you make the decisions you have, then you have the audacity to use my dreams as leverage to get me to agree to this insane plan, how could you?”
    He could always count on Payton to cut him down to size with her honesty. She definitely didn’t pull any punches where he was concerned. He couldn’t pour on the charm and make her fall in a puddle at his feet, like most women he knew, which was why she was the perfect choice.
    “I’m sorry, y ou’re right no one is responsible for my actions but me. I was wrong.”
    “You damn right you were wrong.”
    Jordan leaned back in his chair. “Will you at least think about it?”
    “I don’t know Jordan, I mean marriage? That’s a pretty big step this plan could backfire on you.”
    “ It’s a chance I’ll have to take I don’t really have a choice.”
    “Alright,” Payton sighed. “Give me a week to think about it , then I’ll get back to you.”
    When their meals arrived , their conversation shifted to an easier topic. Payton couldn’t believe she was actually considering helping him. She was either insane or crazy in love either way she was in big trouble.

Chapter 3
     
     
    The City Limits was the newest night spot catering to the twenty and thirty something crowd.
    It also boasted of having the best cocktails in town. Payton and her two best friends , Mavis Tucker and Andrea Yates, sat at a table illuminated by candles in a glass bowl. The club’s décor was a mixture of hippy-chic and modern nuances that made it appealing to its intended crowd.
    “So Andrea, how was your date?” Mavis asked, picking up her dirty martini and taking a sip.
    “The worst,” Andrea