Page 14 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

Whatever. It was a long, rough night, and not in the way I wanted it to be.

I’m almost starting to think Maya might be onto something about me being picky…

Caroline’s cheeks redden at the subject change. She revealed her secret talent for designing clothes about six months ago. I’ve been begging her to make a few pieces for the shop, but she’s painfully shy about it. Well, that and everything else it seems.

Though her bashfulness has improved since she moved here, there are still some things she’s tight-lipped about, her design abilities being one of them.

The only person I’ve seen her flourish around is her childhood best friend and roommate, Cooper. She insists they’re just friends, but I swear there’s something brewing between them. I have never seen two people so in tune with one another before, but I guess the same could be said about Maya and me, and I can confirm there’s nothing brewing between us.

It’s just my romance-deprived mind trying to find something that isn’t there.

She tucks away one of the tendrils hanging free from the long dark blonde hair that’s piled in a messy bun on the top of her head. “It is.”

“It would—”

“Look lovely in the front window?” She smirks. “I know, and I love you for saying that. I’m just not ready.”

I laugh. “Am I that predictable?”

“Yes, just like I know you’re about to sayWhen you are ready, you know I’m here.Like you always do.”

“But—”

“River…”

“Okay, okay.” I hold my hands up. “I won’t say anything else.”

“Good. Now, what are you doing here?” Caroline checks the watch on her wrist, then pushes off the counter, heading toward the front door. “Today is your day off.”

“Just checking in on things.” I don’t mention to her that I was also here earlier this morning working on inventory when I was unable to sleep and going mad inside my apartment.

“Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I trust you. I—”

“Did some big order come up?”

“No. I—”

“Did youneedto come in?”

“Well, no. But—”

“Then go home, River.” She flips the open sign on and straightens a mannequin’s blouse before making her way back over to the counter. “There’s no reason for you to be here. You’re here so much I’m starting to think you have a cot in the back office. I mean, youdolook like you might have slept here…”

I let out a long, tired groan, rubbing at my eyes. “Gee, thanks.”

“Was your Cheeseman date so bad you couldn’t sleep?”

“His name wasCheddar, Caroline. Cheddar! Ofcoursethe date was that bad.”

“Sorry.” She winces. “Maybe you should take a break. All these failed dates are wearing you out. I mean…” She darts her eyes to my outfit.

I sigh defeatedly. “You might be right.”

She pulls her phone from her pocket, holding it out to me. “Can you repeat that? Gonna need it for blackmail later.”

I roll my eyes. “Remind me again why I hired you?”

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