As evening fell, James gave me a subtle glance, signaling me to figure out our plans for the night.
I turned to Eddy, who was sitting next to me, and said, "I need to go now."
"Okay," he replied without asking any more questions. "When are you heading back to LA?"
"Tomorrow."
"I'll be heading back soon too, but I might not go home right away. I'll contact you later."
James patted Eddy on the shoulder and whispered, "Stay safe."
Eddy whispered back, "Look after Issy."
In the unfamiliar hotel bed, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
The priest's words echoed in my mind. What kind of desperate situation had Eddy faced, barely 18 years old, that made him ask the priest to perform a fake wedding ceremony? Was it to save himself or to save the person he married?
Suddenly, something cl
