Later, Willard's call came through with the blaring rock music roaring in the background. "Cynthia, tonight the brothers are throwing me a bachelor party. Go to bed early, don't wait up."
I was silent for two seconds, then answered. "Okay."
At one a.m., I found myself unable to sleep, so I decided to check my social media.
Jasper Zorn had posted a set of photos with the caption: [Celebrating my best bro's last night of freedom!]
In the center photo of the grid, Jolene Star was laughing joyously while holding a glittering bag. She's leaning almost entirely against Willard, whose hand rests firmly around her waist.
The comments section below exploded.
[OMG, isn't that the 'Starry Sky' bag? Willard, you are so generous!]
[These two look so perfect together. What a shame.]
[@Willard, you should be careful. Don't let Cynthia see this!]
I saw Willard personally reply. [Cynthia isn't petty. If she'd make a fuss over something like this, we might as well call off the wedding.]
I shut my phone off expressionlessly.
Willard knew I wouldn't dare, just as he knew I could endure him selling our house, endure him buying Jolene a million-dollar bag and endure every ambiguous excuse of "we're just friends."