Page 3 of At Your Door

“I’m sorry—” she continues to interrupt herself with laughter. “Wh-what was it supposed to be again?” I can literally see the tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.

“It was supposed to be a customMean Girls-themedtumbler. It was going to be perfect! It’s your favorite movie, and our worlds literally revolve around coffee. So, I got it made with your name engraved in it. I.. I just don't even know how this could happen.

I mean, I bought it from Etsy for Christ's sake!”

I know I’m rambling, but there’s no point in keeping it a surprise anymore.

I’m standing across the room, completely dumbfounded, holding my phone while Eleanor and I both stare at the box sitting on my couch.

“I don’t think I even want that on my couch.” My eyes are still locked on the box as Eleanor falls back into another fit of laughter.

“What did it look like? Was it brand new?” she blurts out, her giddiness finally pulling my attention from the box to the screen, where Eleanor is staring at me with raised eyebrows.

“Are youexcited?!” I ask with wide eyes, unable to tell if she’s joking or not.

“I mean, it’sstilla good birthday gift. Just saying.” Her eyebrows are wiggling, and I glare at her, even though I know she can only see the box. My silence says it all.

“Okay, I’m done. I promise.” El raises her other free hand as she continues, “Are you sure it came from Etsy? Because I’ve never heard of that before.”

My brows are furrowed as I make my way back over to the couch. “Of course, it’s from Etsy. You know I would’ve never ordered this—” I set the phone down on the arm of the couch before grabbing the flap of the box, “—and it was addressed to m—”

“Mia?” El breaks the silence that lasts for a beat.

I have to let out a deep breath before continuing, “It was addressed toGriffon Scott.”

Shit. Through my excitement, I must’ve just read the apartment number and skipped over everything else. When I finally pick the phone back up and flip the camera around to face her, she looks even more confused than before.

“Who the hell is Griffin Scott?” I can’t help but roll my eyes because if there’s one thing Eleanor isn’t great at, it’s picking up on context clues.

“Well, I’m just guessing, but if there’s only three other people on this floor, and the only one I haven't met is–”

“Holy shit! That’s your new neighbor's dildo!” she blurts out. My eyes shoot open, and my hand rushes to cover the speaker.

“SHHHHH! Fucking hell. El, you can’t just scream that.” My head whips around as if someone can see me.

She visibly winces before whispering, “Sorry, I forgot about the thin walls.”

I can do is fall back onto my couch, sitting right next to the box from hell. “At least that means she got the address wrong.” El’s voice is hopeful, but we both know this is a disaster.

“Partially. But either way, that still means I have to return it.” I chew on my lip, alreeady trying to figure out what to do.

“And meet her,” she adds.

The idea of meeting my new neighbor and returning her brand-new dildo at the same time crashes down on me as if things couldn’t possibly get any worse.

“Oh my God. What the hell am I supposed to do now?” I whine. Within seconds, I’m on my feet, and the pacing begins to set in.

“She probably already thinks I’m rude because I haven't introduced myself, and now Istealher package? How the hell do I explain that?”

I can slowly feel my embarrassment turning to anger. My life has gone from zero to 100 in just a few hours.Thisis exactly why I like my peace and quiet. This would’ve never happened ifGriffonhadn’t shown up.

I don’t know her or anything, but in my world, there are no surprises. No loud parties, no groups of friends coming and going, anddefinitelyno random dildos showing up at my door. If this was Mary’s package, it would have probably just been a puzzle. Or if it was Alex’s, it would likely have been hiking gear. But no, it had to beher.

“Okay, calm down. Did you cut through the shipping label?” I finally pick up my phone to see El still there, waiting. I shake my head in response, unable to speak.

“Okay, perfect! Put everything back how it's supposed to be. Use some clear tape, seal that bitch back up, and put it outside her door like you never opened it!”

I’m silent for a moment. “Shit, you’re a genius El!” I can feel the gray clouds floating away as the plan begins to form.

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