Page 33 of Puck Prince

“Let’s get the car started, Summer. Don’t want Nicky sleeping in a hot car.” But they both ignore me.

“It looks great with that blouse. Which matches your lipstick perfectly,” Summer goes on. “What is the shade?”

“So, it’s kind of a funny story…” Callie starts in.

Doubt it.

“It’s called Fearless. I wore it today because it was my first day at a new job.”

“Well, that’s exciting! Did you hear that, Owen? Your neighbor started a new job today!”

Jesus Christ, Summer. What are you trying to?—

I know exactly what she’s trying to do: she’s trying to hook me up with her.Better than a mail order bride, I’m sure she’ll joke later. Is she, though? No. No, she’s not.

“Yeah, I know.” I snatch the keys from her, starting the car so I can at least get the air going before securing Nicky in the back seat. When Summer stares at me, I explain. “We work together.”

“No way!” Summer is way too golden retriever for me right now. I need her to calm TF down. “Are you new to the complex, too?”

“New… ish,” Callie hedges.

“Well, Owen is a very hospitable guy. Extra muscly, too, if you need help moving in.”

“Oh, I won’t be—” Callie starts at the same time that I’m saying, “I’m sure she doesn’t need?—”

“You know, I don’t believe in coincidences,” Summer rambles without paying attention to either one of us.

I wonder if she believes in luck. ‘Cause mine is looking pretty shitty right now.

“You never know what the universe is going to throw at you. Sometimes, the people we are supposed to meet are right under our noses the whole time.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. She’s laying it on way too thick.

“I think Nicky is starting to wake up,” I blurt. “Might want to get driving so he gets a full nap in.”

“Oh, God, yeah.” She peeks into the backseat with a groan. “Mama needs a break.”

“Text me when you get there.” I pull her into a side hug, and she kisses me on the cheek.

“Love you!” she calls out the window to me before waving at Callie and driving off.

I exhale before looking over at Callie. Her eyes are wide, her jaw is tight, and she’s paler than a ghost.

“Unfuckingbelievable.” She shakes her head.

“You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“I might. Who is that?”

“Who is who?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she snaps. “There’s obviously something going on there. I thought you didn’t want any more publicity.”

She starts charging towards the building, but as much as I want to stay away from Callie, I’m hot on her heels. Every time this woman talks to me, it’s like engaging in warfare. I don’t want to be involved, but I can’t ignore the mortars headed straight for my face.

“It’s none of your business,” I inform her as we reach the elevator. She punches the button, letting out a sigh. But it’s less of a sigh and more of a shaky exhale. She doesn’t seem well.

“Are you okay?” I ask cautiously.

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