Page 17 of Playing With His Heart

“Depends, what do you see her as?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just what I said, what do you see her as? A tenant that you feel sorry for? Someone that you actually like and want around? What exactly?”

That was a good question, and he wasn’t sure he knew the answer.

“I don’t really know. She isn’t what I’d expected after hearing her voice, but I’m not sure what I thought would happen when I met her. She’s comfortable and fun to be around. I think the thing that hooked me right away was that she didn’t know who I was when we ran into each other, and once she did, her demeanor never changed. It was like she didn’t really care who or what I was other than making sure her air conditioning got fixed.”

“So, basically, you’re attached?”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that.”

“I would. You never talk about women, and you never hang out with them on a social level. But this woman comes along looking to get her air conditioning fixed and you invite her to stay in your apartment? What would you call that if it’s not odd attachment behavior?”

“Awe shit, I don’t really know. I guess, maybe. All I know is I can’t get her off my mind.”

“Are you ready for drama?”

“Why do you ask? I don’t really think she’s like that.”

“Hate to break it to you, but all women have drama—some just worse than others. So, she’s moving in?”

“Well, she didn’t give me an answer, so I don’t know. She was quite against the idea, to tell the truth. I really worry that I overstepped by asking because she doesn’t really know me. I could be some stalker or pedophile.”

“Yeah, but you’re not and I’m sure she knows that. Just call her and find out. If you’re going to move on this project, you should do it now because I’ve already had two inquiries today on different empty units. I need to know what to tell them.”

“I was hoping she would call me after her delivery arrived.”

“Uh oh, what did you do?”

“I might have gotten just a little over-zealous and sent her flowers. Women like flowers, right?”

“Sometimes, but I guess time will tell.”

“That gives me no comfort.”

“Sorry, I can’t help you with that. All women are unique in their own way and react differently to things. Where one woman might melt at the sight of flowers, another might think you’re a sleaze for killing a living, growing thing.”

“Does your wife like to get flowers, Jerry?”

“She does, but only when it’s not expected—not when she has to remind me of a special occasion. On those occasional fuckups, I’m better off sleeping on the cot I have stored in the garage.”

“Seriously, a cot?”

“Oh yeah, I have it up in the storage attic above the garage, but I’ve only had to use it once or twice when we had a big fight and she locked me out of the house. I just swallowed my pride and left her alone. She finally came around, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

“Did you have to apologize?”

“Yep—and begandgrovel. I wouldn’t worry if I were you. I don’t think you are at that point in your relationship where she can have that kind of leverage on you.”

“Relationship?”

“What did you think you were creating? You asked her to live in your apartment, Zayn. Your personal space. She’s no longer a stranger, that’s for sure.”

Wow, a relationship? Is that what it is?

Chapter Seven

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