Page 8 of The Ruse of Romancing
I wanted to squeeze the smirk right off his face, but that was probably the exhaustion talking.
I closed my eyes and took a handful of deep breaths, counting each inhale and exhale until the sharpest points of my anger had dulled.
“Just kindly ask your next squeeze-buddy or model or whatever you want to call her to please park onyourside of the driveway,” I said through clenched teeth, forcing a smile in an effort to appear civil. “I really don’t want to have to park my car on the side of the road again when I’m paying for a garage.”
This seemed to bring him up short and he straightened, dropping his hands to his sides.
“Are you an early riser? Because if not, you might want to keep your car—”
“Do you seriously have another ‘model,’” I did air quotes for emphasis, “on their way planning to spend the night?”
“No. The la—”
“Did you tell her she’s also ‘your inspiration’?” The nerve of this man.
“I’m just trying to be a good neighbor.” He called as I walked to my car. I just wanted to put this night and this obnoxious man behind me.
“Because good neighbors historically block your parking space and host make-out sessions in your front yard moments before hitting on you.” I muttered to myself as I pulled into the garage and climbed out of the car. My temporary neighbor watched me for a moment before taking a hesitant step my direction.
“Can I help?” He offered, his tone begrudging as he approached the garage entrance. Apparently the man did have at least some semblance of manners, even if they were too little too late.
I popped the trunk and pulled my wheeled suitcase from the vehicle, slinging the backpack I’d brought as a carry-on over my shoulder. I held up a hand, stopping his advance.
“I’ve got it. I wouldn’t want you to strain yourself after so much... physical activity.” I knew my remark was harsh, but after the day of setbacks I’d experienced, I just wanted to be left alone to my rental and the wifi password so I could update my cousins in the group thread about my adventures.
He gave a small huff.
“I have plenty of stamina for any and allphysical activity.”
“You say that like it should impress me.” I called over my shoulder as I walked to the door into the house. “News flash,it doesn’t. Though remember that line the next time you see Veronica or another one of yourmodels.”
With that, I hit the button on the garage door opener attached to the wall of the garage, allowing the door to close on my obnoxious neighbor and his womanizing ways.
As the door closed, it sounded like he was trying to tell me something, but I was so tired I didn’t care what he could possibly be saying. I needed sleep.
Chapter 4
Dani
Ifumbledinthedark, attempting to find a light switch. When my fingers finally made contact with the switch and the light flickered on, I was charmed by the space in front of me, an assessment that only grew as I explored the different rooms, the quaint space quickly causing my frustration with my neighbor to dissipate. The space was small, with only two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, but it was perfect for my needs. Everything except for the kitchen appliances looked like it had come from the fifties and sixties. While dated in appearance, it looked cozy and welcoming. In many ways it reminded me ofPillow Talk.
I could just picture Doris Day’s character, Jan Morrow, lounging on the sofa or doing her makeup in front of the vanity in my bedroom.
A quick search of the space revealed the welcome binder sitting on the coffee table in the living room. I located the wifi information, quickly logging in so I could message the cousinchat an update on my adventure so far, almost certain no one would be awake this late in Utah. Or in Chloe’s case, North Carolina.
Dani:
Made it to my rental! I need you to know I got “ma’amed” twice by the world’s orneriest flight attendant. Do I look that old?
Also, my neighbor/landlord is a bearded womanizer and I’m pretty sure we just became enemies thanks to his flavor of the night blocking the driveway.
And his overconfident propositioning, but they didn’t need to know that part.
I tucked my phone into my pocket but was surprised when it vibrated almost immediately with a reply.
Avery:
1. If you’re old, what does that make me? 2. Are you sure you vetted this place before booking it? Do I need to find you a different place to stay?
