Page 35 of Sassy Love
Icast my eye down the screen as I study the itinerary Serelle sent Lamont and me. Each new item is more disturbing than the last.
Christ.
What the hell is Serelle thinking? Lamont can barely tolerate my existence, let along all this touchy-feely shit.
I sit on the bed, pretending this is simply a bad dream that surely I will wake up from any minute now.
The noises from the very open bathroom space behind the faux wall do nothing to mute the string of curses. I assume Lamont just checked her email.
While she’s in the bathroom?
Well, that’s unsanitary.
I run a hand through my hair as the water turns on and then off. Lamont stalks back to the bed and shoves a hand on one hip as it cocks, and she reads the list aloud, like I haven’t already read the same information.
Finally looking from her phone, her gaze falls down to me as her mouth gapes and she says, “No fucking way.”
“You say that like we have a choice.”
“Maybe . . . we say we went, and . . .don’t.”
A knock rattles the door, and she turns on it like a lioness eyeing a vulture circling her cubs before stalking across the space.
Ripping the door open, she demands, “What?”
“Ah, hello, Mrs. Rawlins. My name is Man?—”
She throws a hand up and he startles, faltering back a little.
“We arenota Mr. and Mrs. This here”—she waves a hand behind her without looking—“is my coworker Rawlins. My name is Carlie Lamont. So you will need to update your information.”
“Oh, so sorry, miss. My apologies,” the guy says, striking something out on his clipboard and writing a note—I assume, her name.
His megawatt smile never fades over his dark eyes, dark hair, and dimples. His neat, pressed uniform looks like something straight out of a Scout’s lineup. Only a little more casual, withhis top few buttons open and wearing loafers instead of more serious enclosed footwear. “As I was saying, if I may, my name is Manuel. I am your guide for your time here. I will escort you to each activity, keep records of your progress as a couple...” He shifts on his feet, and Lamont crosses her arms over her chest.
He tries again. “Your professional progress?”
I rise from the bed and pad to where Lamont stands, trying to show a little support for the guy. This woman is scary as fuck when she wants to be. “Sounds great, Manuel.”
I earn a filthy side-eye from Lamont, who nods to the clipboard in his hand. “So you’re our warden this week. Who are you reporting to?”
“Ah, it’s not really like that. More like so you can see how far you’ve come in your relationship after the seven-to-ten days. However long it takes.”
His smile stays painted on, but his grip tightens on the clipboard.
“If you must, but this is a working relationship, Manuel. Your metrics will have to reflect that.” Lamont unfolds her arms and walks away.
So much for us never having any kind of relationship. That’s the most bend I’ve seen in this fiery woman since the day I met her.
“Lunch is at one, then meditation hour. I will pick you up from your bungalow in a few hours, okay?” Manuel smiles.
“Sure, bud. Thanks.” I close the door as he leaves and turn back.
Lamont is pacing.
At least we agree on something.
“It won’t be so bad, maybe we go through the motions and bide our time ’til seven days is up...” I offer.
