Page 19 of Faking Romance

“How much did you bet?” I ask.

“Four hundred.”

My eyes widen. “You bet four hundred dollars?”

“Did I stutter?” he asks.

“OK, well, best of luck,” I add as I go to head back to the apartment building.

My phone buzzes and I see a text from Margie in the group chat.

Margie: Some sketchy-looking young man is breaking into Kasen’s apartment. Should I call the cops?

Before I can respond, I see Hutch looking at his phone and typing. A moment later, a message pops up.

Hutch: Margie, did he have a key or did he break down the door?

Cornelia: For the love of God. He used a key, Margie.

Margie: But why does he have a key? Maybe he stole it from Kasen’s cousin.

Hutch: So…no break-in?

Me: I’ll come take a look.

Hutch: I’ll come with you.

I look over and Hutch gets up.

“What? Leaving your stakeout?” I pretend to be shocked.

He glares at me. “I’ll just need to find another night to do it.”

“Well, it’s going to rain this week, so good luck.”

“I won’t melt, dude,” he says as we walk back to the building.

Cam is coming out the door as we approach it and she gives Hutch a once-over.

“Uh, do they allow hunting in the park?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.

“No, I was watching for the flowers,” he explains and starts to gesture back to the bench and stops. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.”

We all turn to see flowers on the bench.

I can’t help myself as I start laughing and so does Cam. She doubles over.

“Oh my God! Did you actually sit out there waiting and now they just appeared?” she manages in between fits of giggles.

“Maybe,” he grumbles.

She pats his arm. “It’s OK. You can try another day. Where are you two off to?”

“Margie thinks someone broke into Kasen’s place, but it’s probably just a friend feeding the sea creatures,” Hutch explains.

“Anemones,” Cam states.

“Yeah, whatever,” he replies as he starts to go to the elevator.

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