Page 92 of Rush of Jealousy

“Oh no, there will be a lot of stipulations. I wouldn’t be a good businessman if I let you have it interest free, now would I?”

I stick out my tongue. “I would rather mortgage my properties to the bank for the cash.”

“I would offer you a better deal,” he persuades.

I pick at my fingernails. “Doubtful.”

His laughter makes me join in. When it’s his turn, he rolls doubles which result in him buying the last of the light blue properties to complete his trio and obtaining the Electric Company.

I roll and move my chocolate bar to pass go. I land on Baltic Avenue and buy it up to complete my duo. I have just enough money for a house on each of the two properties, with a little left over in case I land on one of Graham’s. They are the cheapest on the board, so I am not expecting to get rich from them.

Graham rolls, lands on free parking to get the jackpot, and uses his money to buy two houses per property on his light blue collection. We just created residential row. That street is going to be dangerous.

When I land on his newly acquired Electric Company, I groan at the implications that I could lose a lot of money. There is a multiplier involved on the amount on the dice.

I take a large sip of my now lukewarm coffee and fix my hair behind my ear. I count and recount the little bit of money I have. I can feel Graham’s stare burning into my resolve. He knows he is in a way better position. Even though I own more properties overall, he owns more clusters that he can build on.

“I think I will do the question,” I say nervously. He could basically ask me anything, and I would feel obligated to tell the truth. I have not been truthful with him in the past to protect my career prospects. But with a game, I would never cheat. I like to play fair.

Graham rubs his hands together and looks like he just won the entire game already. So smug. “Stop biting your lip before you cause it to bleed, sweetheart. You really that nervous?”

I release my skin and take a deep breath as he thinks about what to ask me.

“Okay,” Graham begins, “do you have romantic feelings for Zander?”

I frown at the mention of his name again. It causes me pain that I have not been in contact with Z and that things are now strained between us. “I care about Zander.” I ignore Graham’s slight flinch and continue. “We met during freshman year and instantly became friends. He has been there for me when I needed him most and always cheers me on. But I do not feel romantic love toward him. I never saw him like that.”

Graham gives me a nod and seems to accept my answer as truth. “He is still a threat to us.”

I shake my head. “No, no he’s not. He will move on and hopefully find someone who is open to having a relationship with him. He’s a great catch. I’m sure when the right girl comes along, he’ll know.”

Graham shrugs. “Or he can pine after you and never commit to anyone else.”

“Ugh, please don’t say that. I already feel horribly for not seeing the signs and potentially leading him on because I enjoy his company.”

“Did things with you two ever go beyond kissing?”

“No.” Thankfully. “And it seems like you got your facts wrong, because I never kissed him.”

When it is Graham’s turn he rolls and lands on the Chance spot, so he takes a card and reads it. Of course, it gets him to move to “Go” to collect two hundred dollars.

“Are these rigged?” I ask, looking at the cubes.

He chuckles. “That would be some pretty high-tech cheating if they were. You give me way too much credit.” His eyes lock onto mine. “Maybe you are just unlucky.”

“Maybe so,” I grumble. I roll and land on Kentucky Avenue—the last red property I need before I can start building houses with the money I do not have. The only way for me to even have a chance at winning is to get some houses. “I’ll sell you my panties for two hundred.”

His eyes sparkle with mirth. “Done.” He reaches into his pocket to pull out his wallet.

“No, not real money,” I giggle.

Graham’s laughter makes me laugh more.

I smile like the cat who just got the canary, as I snatch the two bills from his hand. He leans back and watches me intently. Waiting. It’s almost like he is afraid to blink.

“Expecting a show?”

“For two hundred dollars? Damn straight.”

---