Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

LENNIE

T he guys in the band sure knew how to celebrate an occasion. Even a fake wedding.

They all knew that Payton and I had made a drunken mistake, but instead of razzing us (too hard), they played along, and honestly? It was the first time since I woke up that I was relaxed. Okay, not completely. Holding Payton's hand made my pulse jump like crazy, but it also gave me a kind of confidence I hadn't expected. Like, we were both in this mess, but we'd find a way out. Together. Almost like real partners. Or co-conspirators. Whatever fit.

After fueling up on a platter of fluffy french toast and crispy bacon, and with caffeine now coursing through my veins, more details of our night together came flooding back. Each one headier than the last.

"Of course, you're gonna meet someone," I reassured Payton as we sat at the bar. "Any man would be lucky as fuck to marry you."

"Marry me? I just want a second date," Payton sighed.

"You deserve all the dates. And that man is out there. Once he finds you, he won't let go."

Payton placed his hand over mine and instead of pulling away, I gave in to temptation and gripped it tightly. But I resisted the urge to pull his hand up and kiss it. That would be weird, right?

"You're just saying that." He shook his head. "And why don't you have a boyfriend? Or a girlfriend. I shouldn't assume you're gay, but ? —"

"I am. But, like you, work makes finding a relationship difficult. All the traveling and odd hours. And in case you haven't noticed, I'm not the prettiest man around."

"Bullshit," Payton snapped. "And there's more to you than being handsome. Why do you think I've been flirting with you for ages?"

"I thought that was teasing."

"Oh, darling, no. In fact, if you asked me, I'd go on a date with you. Hell, I'd marry you right here and now."

A short while later, that was exactly what we did. Holy shit.

I took another sip of my coffee and glanced over at my husband, who was his usual smiling, bubbly self.

Payton, of course, was right at home being the center of attention. He started describing the wedding in vivid detail. Details that sounded familiar, even if I couldn't remember them. Or maybe Payton just had a good imagination. Either way, if I didn't know any better, he'd have had me fooled into believing that he was happy about this whole scenario. He laughed and flirted with the guys, as usual. But when he turned and stared at me with those beautiful eyes of his, I found myself reaching for a glass of champagne. Hangover be damned.

While Payton was talking, I surreptitiously texted Van.

An hour later, Brodie picked up the tab, and guilt gnawed away at me again. When we got up and said our goodbyes, Van pulled me aside.

"As requested, I gave Elias the head's up about you and Payton. "

Brodie's husband was no longer the band's manager, but he was always protective of our rock ‘n' roll family. I swallowed hard and nodded. Contacting the band's lawyer to get this divorce underway was necessary, but it made the food in my gut sit like a heavy weight.

"Thanks, Van."

"Of course," he replied. "But don't rush into anything."

"What?"

"You two are a match." Van smiled at me, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening. "I had to say it."

I was about to deny his statement when Payton stepped up to us.

"You're not trying to steal my new husband away from me, are you, Van?" Payton teased.

"Are you kidding?" Van glanced over at Brodie. "I already have my hands full with one."

And he did. But given the heated way Van looked at Brodie, there was no mistaking that he was happy as hell.

We said our goodbyes to everyone. The band was headed straight to the airport for their flight back to Nashville. Normally, I'd be with them, but not today.

"Let's get checked out," I said to Payton. "And then we have returns to make."

If we could get the damn rings off.

Payton nudge me with his elbow. "What were you and Regan talking about earlier?"

I paused. "She gave me a few more days off to, you know, get this situation sorted. Not that I can do much. But at least Van got me in touch with Elias."

"Email him and whatever the retainer, I'll pay my half."

"Now, Payton—" I started.

"I insist. It's only fair."

I nodded. "Okay."

We headed for the elevator and made our way back to Payton's room. Both of us were oddly quiet. It didn't feel like the morning after a wedding should feel.

Duh. It wasn't a real wedding.

I pulled out my phone and sent an email to Elias, detailing the joint request for the divorce. Then I tapped my banking app and pulled up my credit card statement. Sure enough, I purchased both our wedding rings from Dazzle late last night. The bill? 15K. Holy fuck.

I googled their location, saved it, and then I escorted Payton to his room.

"I'm gonna head up to my room and pack," I said to Payton. "Meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes? Then we can visit the jewelry store. Oh, and I need your flight details."

"Why?"

"I was supposed to be leaving with the band today, but given my change in plans, I might as well join you."

"Okay." He nodded in response. "Don't forget to call your mom back. You don't want her worrying."

"She's not worried," I replied with a sigh. "She's ready to kick my ass."

Payton's face fell. "That bad?"

"I come from a big Italian family. Weddings are a huge deal."

"I'm sorry, I?—"

I shook my head and reached for his hand. "Nothing to be sorry about. It was a mistake, but I'm as much to blame. Anyway, it's done. She'll get over it. In about twenty or thirty years."

Payton chuckled and seeing him smile again had that fluttery feeling in my gut roaring to life.

"See you in a bit."

I waited until Payton was safely in his room, then headed for the elevator. By the time I got to my room, I had a dozen more messages from family and friends. Ignoring my phone, I packed up my bag, checked the room one last time, and headed back down to the lobby.

While I was waiting for Payton, I called my mother. I took a deep breath—several—and waited for her to answer. She finally picked up on the third ring.

"Leonardo Andrea Rizzoli, what have you done?"

Her voice was so loud I held the phone away from my ear. I tapped Speaker and lowered the volume as much as I could.

"Hi, Ma."

"That's it?" she yelled. "My only son gets married without telling me and all you can say is ‘ hi, Ma '?!"

It didn't matter that I was thirty-two, an ex-army sergeant, and a black belt in taekwondo. When my mom yelled at me, I was done for.

"I'm sorry. It's a long story, and?—"

"A long story, but a fast wedding. Don't give me excuses," she interrupted. "You didn't even tell me you had a boyfriend. Then I get a text that you're married? What's going on?"

"Ma, here's the thing?—"

Payton suddenly appeared beside me, and when I looked into his eyes, I forgot all about what I was going to say.

"Leonardo!" Mom yelled. "I want answers."

‘ Leonardo '? Payton mouthed, then bit back a laugh. I offered a rude gesture in return.

"Hello Mrs. Rizzoli, it's Payton. A pleasure to meet you!" Payton yelled back.

People in the lobby stopped and stared at us. Jesus. Before my mom could respond with God knows what, I intervened.

"Ma, Payton and I have stuff to do today before we fly back to Nashville. I'll call you when we get in, okay? Bye."

I quickly tapped End and turned off the call notifications. Then I opened my rideshare app and got our trip booked.

"You're really in for it now," Payton quipped.

I ignored his teasing.

"We've got rings to return. Let's go," I said as I stood up, holding my hand out to him.

"What are you doing?" he asked, looking at my hand like it was gonna bite him.

"I'm being polite. Now take my hand already," I grumbled.

I've no idea why I insisted, but it felt right.

"Yes, sir." He smirked as he slid his hand into mine, jumpstarting my heart.

Funny how once I touched Payton, I didn't want to let go.

"I appreciate your manners," he continued as he stood up. "But you don't have to do that."

"Yes, I do," I insisted. "You're my husband, even if it's temporary. But more important than that, you're my friend. And this is who I am."

Payton stared at me with an expression on his pretty face I couldn't quite read.

"Payton?" I asked, suddenly concerned.

"Thank you," he whispered.

My phone pinged with the familiar rideshare notification. Reaching down with my other hand, I grabbed my bag, and we headed out of the lobby. The concierge held the door open, and I guided Payton to the edge of the sidewalk, the hit of dry desert air making my lungs seize.

Our car pulled up, and we hopped in. The drive to the jewelry store sparked more memories. Payton singing ‘ Lover ' at the top of his lungs. And, surprisingly, my joining in. The poor driver…

We headed to the outskirts of Vegas, and yeah, the area was run down, full of abandoned buildings and old lots. Dazzle was a nondescript storefront stuck between a nail salon and a payday loan place. It didn't look like they sold high-end jewelry, but appearances in this town were deceiving.

We headed inside and were greeted by an older man with white hair who beamed when he spotted Payton.

"Welcome back!" The man gushed and motioned for us to come closer to the display case.

There were so many rows of glittering diamonds, it was blinding.

"You recognize us from last night?" I asked. I had no memory of this salesperson at all.

"It's not every day I sell a pink diamond ring," he replied with a smile. "Wait! Don't tell me, it's…Payton and Lennie, right? And I'm Felix Halliday, the owner. Did you have a wonderful wedding?"

Oh man, if only he knew.

Before I could reply, Payton squeezed my arm. "So nice to see you again, Felix, and yes, we did have quite an interesting night."

I snorted and Payton glared at me.

"Unfortunately," Payton continued. "We won't be staying married. So, we need to return the rings."

Felix's face fell. "Oh, I'm sorry. You two looked so happy last night. I thought for sure you were going to beat the odds. In any case, I'm afraid I can't help you. We have a strict no-return policy."

He pointed to the sign at the end of the display case. Fuck.

"All sales are final. These are wholesale prices. You get the best quality at the lowest price in the city, but no returns."

Don't panic, don't panic. It's only fifteen grand. Your emergency fund will cover it.

"Out of curiosity," Payton added. "What was the total for both rings?"

"Fifteen thousand," I croaked. "I checked my credit card statement."

Then it hit me. I'd used the company card with no limit. Regan was going to put me on night shifts for a year.

Payton looked like he was about to faint. Or puke.

"Exactly," Felix nodded. "The pink diamond in the white gold setting was $10,000. The platinum band was $5,000."

This time, I reached for Payton's hand, steadying myself.

"So, the only thing we can do now is sell them?" Payton murmured.

Felix nodded. "But you won't get full price, only a fraction. That's the gem market."

"It's okay." I finally found my voice. "I'm sure Van or one of the guys knows someone we can sell them to. It'll be fine."

"Once we sell them, whatever the difference, I'm paying my half," Payton insisted.

"No."

"Yes. No arguments. All right?"

I finally nodded. We'd also have the legal fees for the divorce. Jesus, I was never drinking hard liquor again.

"Can I give you a piece of advice?" Felix asked, leaning forward. "Give it a few weeks. The value won't change. Take your time and make sure you get the best price. I can give you the names of a few reputable buyers."

"We're heading back to Nashville today," I added.

"That's fine; two of them own online stores. If you give me your email, I'll put you in touch with them."

"Thanks, Felix."

I tapped on my email and showed him my phone. While he was busy taking my information, I turned to Payton.

"I think it'd be cheaper if we stayed married," he announced with a flirty grin.

"Angel, you took the words right out of my mouth."