Page 80 of Fairy Tale Lies
Her gaze fell on one particular neighbor, whose name should’ve been left off the invite list. “Sorry to be ungrateful, but you could’ve left a few people off the guest list?”
Susan followed the direction of Greta’s gaze, both of them eyeing the blonde in the tight, short fuchsia pink dress. Susan blew out a breath. “She lives two doors down. You two have almost every class together. It’d be rude not to invite her.”
“Oh, please. Macy likes me as much as I like her. She isn’t here for me. She’s man fishing. Rumor is she slept with Professor Yandotte for a passing grade. She probably came here hoping to clean her pallet with a man from her decade. The vapid and narcissistic hussy.”
“Damn, woman, put the claws away.” Susan snickered.
“The woman is shameless and immoral. And,” Greta huffed, “the tramp has been eye-screwing Jacob all night. Poor man’s going to need to shower in bleach to wash off her filth.”
Susan was swallowing a sip of her drink, and she simultaneously started choking and laughing. Greta rubbed Susan’s back until she had her coughing under control.
Taking a more delicate sip, Susan said, “I wouldn’t worry too much about Macy. Jacob doesn’t see anyone but you.”
“You think?” Greta hated the doubt in her voice, the way old insecurities unexpectedly reared up.
Blake had a wandering eye, not Jacob. He didn’t even seem to notice the many flirty glances in his direction. He looked past them, seeking her and, after finding her, he’d give her one of his heart-stopping smiles.
The one that simultaneously melted her heart and heated her body.
“Uh, yeah,” Susan replied drolly. “When he watches you, he kinda reminds me of a man who’s dying of thirst and you’re the cool, clean river. He has it bad for you.”
“I hope you’re right because I don’t merely love Jacob. I swear, the man consumes me. The love I had for Blake was only a wisp of smoke compared to what I feel for Jacob.”
“Honey, it’s mutual. However, you may want to let others know, and right now’s your chance.”
“What do you mean?” Greta tried to find Jacob.
“Your man just stepped to the balcony, and Piranha Macy followed.”
Greta caught a flash of fuchsia slipping through the balcony door. She handed her drink to Susan and stood. “If a body falls. I swear, it was an accident.”
“Don’t worry,” Susan called after her, laughter mixing with her words. “I’m here for you. You know I’ll always help you bury the bodies.”
~ * ~
Jacob leaned against the metal railing, thinking back on the last couple of months and smiled. He’d never lived with a girlfriend and was shocked to find domestic life suited him. At least with Greta it did. Waking each morning and spending idle hours together, talking, making love, even vegging on the couch was heaven.
Getting to know her college friends was also a bonus. After the disasters back home, getting along with people close to her was nice. The distance from Petite Bois made their upbringing and social circles irrelevant. The idea of a future together didn’t seem unbelievable.
If only they could stay in their bubble.
Unfortunately, life was getting in the way. Keeping up with work orders from in and around Detroit was becoming impossible. Some tools were too large to transport, yet he needed them. The drive back and forth was killing him. There was also Rework’s grand opening. The building was ready. He needed to start ordering and moving in equipment. Again, something impossible to do three hours away.
It came to one, simple fact. He hated leaving Greta’s side, but couldn’t put off going home any longer.
His chest pulled tight, missing her and wishing they were alone, instead of at a party separated by a house full of people.
The balcony door slid open. Jacob turned, hoping Greta had somehow heard his silent plea. He was disappointed to find an unknown woman. Covering his regret, he offered a friendly nod and focused back on the night sky, hoping she’d go away. He wasn’t in the mood to make small talk with a stranger.
The woman sidled next to him, propping a hip on the railing and facing him. “I’m Macy. I live next door to Susan and Miguel.”
Guess it doesn’t matter what I want tonight.
He gave an inward sigh, trying to curb his pity-party. “Hi. I’m Jacob.”
“Oh, I know who you are.” She placed a hand on his upper arm, stroking it. “I was hoping to get a moment alone with you.”
“Why?” he snapped, not liking her over familiarity.
