she said.“I ended it.”“What?” She sounded shocked. “What do you mean, you ended it? You’re getting married in five days!”“Maddie’s mother showed up here and she’s still in love with Ben.”“So I take it that you didn’t listen to my turtle analogy?”“How does that apply?”“Someone opened the door for her!”I moved deeper into the vines, wanting to feel something besides what I was feeling. “How could he not tell me she wanted to be with him again?”“How can you let her win?”“I didn’t know it was a contest.”“Of course it is!”I thought of Michelle, stunning and sure of herself. She wasn’t particularly fond of me, though she was great with Maddie. And I could see how, given the chance, she’d be great to Ben.“Then I’m going to lose.”“No you’re not. So she’s a little famous. A little gorgeous.”“Can someone be a little gorgeous?”“So she’s more than a little gorgeous,” she said. “She’s incredibly gorgeous. You’re not so bad either.”I laughed.“Seriously, you’re smart and successful and the most loving person I know.
