Free Condemned by Barbara Huffert Page A

it, something inside Brett started to argue that no, they
wouldn’t. That doing so would end up being the biggest mistake of his life. He
squelched it, internally insisting that it was the right thing to do. Tish was
a sweet girl. She was beautiful and cultured. Exactly the kind of woman he
should have for a wife. And she needed him. He understood her. And in a little
while, once they spent real time together, the insecure parts of her would
vanish and she’d be relaxed enough to let him see the person she was in her
emails.
    “Yes. Yes!” she squealed, giggling like a little girl,
hugging him tightly. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it. I’m getting married,” Tish
exclaimed, breaking out in another round smile. “There’s so much to do. I have
to get started. I can’t wait to live in this house. It’s perfect. So close to
everything for me.” She pushed him away. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye, Brett,” she
called as she raced for the door.
    Brett stayed where he was, comparing how he was feeling to
what it might be like to be run over by a steamroller. That would probably be
more pleasant. She hadn’t even kissed him. What had he just done?
     
    Brett opened the new bottle he had picked up on the way home
earlier. Halfway through, the bell rang again. Afraid of what he might find
this time, he considered ignoring it. But what if it was Tish, coming by to
tell him she’d changed her mind?
    “Oh. It’s you,” Brett headed back to the kitchen without
saying anything additional to Jesse.
    “Gee, Brett. Glad you’re so thrilled to see me.” Jesse’s
expression showed concern his tone hadn’t. “What’s up?”
    “Congratulate me, Jesse.” He took a swig straight from the
bottle. “I’m getting married.”
    “To whom?”
    “Tish, of course.”
    “Brett, what the fuck?”
    “Don’t.” He lowered his head to his hands. “I’m so fucked.”
    “How can I help?”
    “Got your gun with you tonight? I’d be grateful if you would
just shoot me now and get it over with.”
    “Can’t do it.”
    “But you claim to be my friend. A true friend would end my
life now, quickly. It’s over anyway. Wouldn’t you prefer me not to suffer?”
    “When did you decide all this, Brett?” Jesse tried to take
the bottle from him.
    “Don’t even think about it,” he snarled as he gripped it
tighter. “Earlier tonight.”
    “So how’s Tish taking this?”
    “Tish? She couldn’t be happier. Ask me why. No, let me tell
you. Tish is getting a wedding, something I’m beginning to suspect she wants
quite a bit. She’s landed herself a wealthy husband who comes with a nifty
house in an upscale neighborhood. She gets to keep her little charities and
socialite activities. Fuck yeah, Tish is thrilled. Not that she actually said
any of that. No, all she said was yes. Just reading between the lines here. Of
course I could be wrong.”
    “Have you called Jordan yet? What does he have to say?”
    “How can I call him? He and Kiley are so happy about being
together. I can’t dump this on him,” he paused for a gulp. “Don’t pay any
attention to me, Jesse. I’ve granted myself the night to wallow. I just need to
get used to the idea. Tish is a great girl and I’ve always planned on getting
married at some point. We’ll be fine.”
    “Wait a second. How is she going to keep up with her
charities once you move?”
    “Did I leave that part out? I get to move all that shit back
here. I’m going to have to sell the other house, since she’s decided we’ll be
staying here. Damn, I liked that house.”
    “You say she decided to stay here? Seems to me that Tish
gets everything she wants and you’re the one giving it all to her. Other than a
glitzy wife, what are you getting?”
    “Ding, ding, ding, give the man the prize. It’s just amazing
the way you catch on so quickly.” He took another swallow. “Funny how going
without can change a guy’s entire life.”
    “Going without? Sex?”
    “Yep. We came