Page 32 of The Workaholic Down the Hall

I considered it. I could probably buy a few stocks, since the market was down a bit that day, but I didn't want to buy anything new when I wouldn't be able to keep an eye on the market and see how it did. Plus, last month I'd invested most of what I called my “risky money” into a start-up. It was already showing good results, but I knew I'd feel more comfortable if I minimized my risks for a bit. I had enough drama in my real life. “No, thanks. I'm done.”

Noah studied me for a long minute. “That's all the time it takes to be the owner of three rentals.”

“I like to keep all my investments low maintenance.”

“All your investments?”

“I play the market, have several investment funds, and I just invested in my first start-up.”

His eyes widened. “How well does that pay?”

I shrugged. “Last year I made over a hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

He whistled and shook his head. “Unbelievable. You made more than me last year for a fraction of the time commitment.”

“I also worked a full-time job.”

He was looking at me like he'd never seen me before. “Why?”

“Mostly for the health insurance,” I said. “Plus, I like to keep busy.” He didn't need to know about the panic that sometimes woke me in the middle of the night. The fear that I might lose it all and have to ask someone for help. I never wanted to be dependent on anyone ever again. The more sources of income I had, the safer I felt.

A knock prevented him from saying anything else. The room was so small, Noah didn't even have to get up to open the door. He just leaned to the side and turned the knob. The door swung open and Mimi stuck her head inside.

“Hi, Noah,” she said, giving him a warm smile before turning her attention to me. “Hey sweetie. How're you feeling?”

“Other than tired and unwieldy, I'm doing great,” I said. “Any idea what I should expect at this shower?”

“Are you done with your Internet time? We can chat upstairs so we don't bother Noah.”

“And risk getting cornered by my mother?” Noah asked. “You two can hang out here, you won't bother me. Besides, I'd like to know what we'll be in for, too.”

Mimi walked into the room and shut the door behind her. She sat on the bed next to me and wrapped one arm around me in a quick side-hug. “I'm not sure I can help with that. I just got here a few minutes ago. I didn't even get a glimpse of party central.”

Noah shrugged and turned back to the computer screen. “Guess we'll find out soon.”

Mimi turned to face me. “How's everything going, really? Was I wrong to help them with their crazy scheme?”

I glanced at Noah, wishing I could be alone to talk to Mimi. “It really hasn't been too bad,” I said. “I've gotten to catch up on my sleep and it's not like I need the money or am missing out on work. I'm about to go crazy with boredom, though.”

“Really?” Mimi said, wiggling her eyebrows. “Noah's not keeping you entertained.” Her tone and the look on her face made it clear she wasn't talking about board games.

“Noah is right here,” he said. “And he can hear you.”

Mimi wasn't cowed either by Noah's presence or my glare. “I'm sorry, Noah. I didn't mean to talk about you like you aren't here. Would you like to tell me what you and my niece have been doing all alone in that mountain cabin?”

“So inappropriate,” I said, with a groan.

“We played Monopoly,” Noah said, not looking up from the computer. “Your niece kicked my ass.”

Mimi chuckled. “I've never seen her lose that game. It bores me to tears.” She squeezed my hand. “Seriously, sweetie, if it's too much, the boredom I mean, I can smuggle in some entertainment for you. Some movies, maybe, scented candles, sexy lingerie, whatever it takes.”

I gasped. “Seriously, Mimi, what is wrong with you?”

Noah spun on his chair to face us, shock and dismay clear in his expression.

Mimi laughed so hard she nearly fell off the bed. We just stared at her.

“Is she on something?” Noah asked, only half-joking.

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