Page 62 of Selfish Desires

“You’re weird.” Marissa held up a hand. “Just saying…”

“But you still haven't answered my question,” I persisted.

“Fine.” Marissa rolled her eyes, her lips tightening into a grim line. “Honestly, I don't trust you. Not after what happened before.”

“Fair enough.” I scribbled down her answer, keeping my expression neutral. “And what if I were to hurt Wendy again?”

Marissa's eyes flashed. “If you hurt Wendy again,” she said slowly, every word deliberate and full of venom, “I will make sure you regret it.”

I paused at her vehemence. It was clear how fiercely she cared for Wendy.

“Alright then, Marissa Elaine Gregory,” I said smoothly, capping my pen and sliding it along the inside of the pad. “I'll keep that in mind.”

She smirked, clearly satisfied with my reaction.

Wendy returned from the kitchen with a tray of warm cookies and a steaming pot of coffee. She set the tray on the table, her eyes darting between me and Marissa.

“Well?” she asked expectantly, pouring coffee into two mugs.

“Well,” I turned to Wendy with a smile. “I just learned how fiercely loyal your Newport best friend is.”

Wendy’s gaze softened as she looked at Marissa. “She’s the best.”

“I got that impression,” I answered, while picking up one of the gooey chocolate chip cookies. It crumbled in my hands, melting perfectly in my mouth.

“Now, can you please let me have Marissa back?” Wendy placed one hand on her hip, looking like the cutest teapot I ever saw.

“Is there anything else you need to know?” Marissa asked me.

“Yeah. Are you single?”

“What?” Wendy and Marissa asked.

“Relax.” I held up my hands. “I think I might have a friend for you. But he’s a total grump, just to warn you.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind if I ever become desperate,” said Marissa, standing, only to join Wendy. “This was interesting. I’ll see you around, Vincent.” Marissa gave a half wave and walked to the back of the restaurant, already checking in on satisfied customers.

“Are you done for today? How about you go check on the house? You’re closing on it soon.”

“I just have one more person to talk to today.” I began packing my things, feeling Wendy’s eyes burn into my skin.

“Oh, come on. Just stop this. I can’t live this way knowing you’re on some hunt every day.” Wendy took Marissa’s seat. “You’re going to drive both of us crazy.”

“I know what I’m doing.” I held up a silencing hand.

“Okay, so who’s the next person on your list?”

“Stephen.” I slid along the booth, stopping from getting up when I saw Wendy’s frozen face. “What? Is there a problem if I speak to him?”

Wendy’s eyes narrowed, her knuckles whitening around the chair’s back. “Stephen?” she asked, and lowered her voice. “Why do you want to talk to Stephen?”

“I think he might have some information that could help.” I shrugged into my coat.

“What kind of information?” Wendy crossed her arms.

“Don’t know.” I stood. “That’s what I’m trying to find out.” I scooted around until Wendy and I were toe to toe. “Can I get a kiss?”

Wendy’s gaze held steady on my lips before breaking contact and resting her fists against my chest. “I feel awkward with you talking to Stephen.”

---