Page 29 of The Ruse of Romancing
WasIproudofmyself in this exact moment? Absolutely not. But was that going to change my current behavior? Once again, absolutely not.
After my grandparent’s kindly meant lectures about finding a nice girl and settling down, I’d stayed up far too late working on design projects and concept book covers. My grandparents were my greatest supporters and, while they couldn’t quite wrap their heads around making a living off of digital art, they still supported me wholeheartedly. Despite that, though, I could see the worry they tried to hide, etched into the corners of their eyes. Which was why they often gave me kind, unsolicited advice whenever they visited, most of it related to my dating life and their worry about me being alone.
I knew they meant well and that they weren’t about to kick me out of my home, but I also knew they worried about what would happen to me when they were gone and I no longer had their generosity to help me. And while I’d like to think my momand her siblings wouldn’t sell the duplex immediately after my grandparents’ passing, there was no way my family would want to take on the upkeep with no one else living close.
At times my grandparents were almost as bad as my mother, though they always seemed to sense when they were about to push too hard and would back off. My mother, who’d battled severe anxiety and depression since my father’s passing, had no such radar and would push and push until she drove us both insane. There was a reason I lived two states away from her. I could only handle so much before I’d snap.
Despite the late-night work session, I was up early the next morning ready to facilitate a second run in with Dani. I’d realized sometime during my work haze that all the drawing, sketching, and concept art for book covers wouldn’t do me any good if I couldn’t further my connection with Danisoon. Which meant I needed to see her again today.
So now I sat at my window, covertly watching to see if I could catch Dani leaving for the day. I didn’t plan to follow her, that would be creepy. However, I hoped her new best friend, Joane, would be able to give me ideas of where Dani might be headed for the day. Assuming she went exploring somewhere instead of staying cooped up all day writing.
Pulling out my phone, I checked the time. It was a little before seven but I knew Joane would be awake, baking pastries and getting ready for the breakfast rush. If I texted her, would she be willing to tell me Dani’s plans? I could say I needed to get in contact with her regarding something about the duplex, and she wasn’t answering my messages. Though that seemed to veer a little too far into the creepy realm. Also, Joane would ask why I didn’t just knock on Dani’s door. Like a sane human who hadn’t offended her at our first meeting and then proceeded to lie to her at our second.
Deciding it couldn’t hurt, I texted Joane, hoping she’d help but knowing it was a long shot.
Given my behavior with Dani over the last few days, I was starting to wonder if I was actually good with the ladies or if they simply took pity on me. Currently I felt like I was writing the bookHow Not to Get the Girl: Ten Simple Steps to Ensuring You Mess Up Every Single Time. Not that I was pursuing Dani for romantic reasons, but still, the concept of “don’t lie to her” seemed pretty standard across the board.
I settled in to wait, trying to focus on a sketch on my tablet when really all I wanted to do was pace, channeling my anxious energy into some form of motion. I’d forgone my morning workout for fear that I’d miss my chance to see Dani today, but I was already getting twitchy, wanting to do something to work my muscles and help me clear my head.
A little after seven, I could hear her garage door open. After a moment, her car pulled into the driveway and out onto the road.
I debated what to do. By the time I got in my car, she would be long gone, and I wouldn’t have any hope of finding her. I wasn’t about to drive around town trying to spot her car. I did have limits. Also, I wasn’t trying to stalk or terrorize her. I just wanted to fast-track our friendship into a working relationship. Which really didn’t sound all that much better, but there wasn’t much I could do about it now. My grandparents’ words from the night before about how nice it was to see Grey secure and settled rang through my mind.
I loved my brother but sometimes I felt like I would love him more if he wasn’t the poster child of responsibility that my grandparents and mom always compared me to.
As if sensing my inner turmoil, Joane responded to my text.
Joane:
Why should I tell you where she’s headed? I know what you do with that smile, and I’m not empowering you to unleash that weapon on Dani.
Thinking quickly, I responded.
Mason:
Her garage door opener broke, and I need to get her a replacement, but she’s not responding to my texts.
Hopefully Joane would forgive me the little white lie, eventually.
Joane:
Sounds awfully convenient.
Mason:
I promise, I’m not trying to play my usual games. I really just need to talk to her.
Joane:
Why don’t you go knock on her door? You do live next door after all.
Mason:
She’s already left for the day, and I’d hate for her to get locked out if I’m not here when she gets back.
If the truth was mixed with a lie, did it make it any less of the truth? I really was headed down a slippery slope. Hopefully, Joane didn’t bring up the garage door opener with Dani the next time she saw her, or I’d be in even more trouble.
Joane:
