Page 14 of Nonverbal

Fucking liar.

“But, yeah, Lotus got surgery,” he continues, trying to remain subdued. “The doc should earn a gold medal for those masterpieces. They’re like a work of art. I’ve been going every night she’s on. Come with me. We’ll invite Troy.”

Go to the club or take a nap? I am getting old if I have to debate it.

“Okay, when?” I ask. I need a night with the guys. Really need it. All the estrogen in my house is straining my sanity.

“Eight. It’ll give you time to rest and take your arthritis pills. Or whatever old people do.”

I frown and point to a man on a weight bench. “Your client’s done. Go do your job and stop worrying about what this old man does.”

Miguel laughs. Before he can leave, Troy walks over to us. “Hey. Heard my name.” He leans against a square column and flashes a cocky grin. He used to play hockey for a Canadian team. The crooked nose proves it. I’ve only known him a year, but he’s always got a girlfriend around. Some last longer than others. I know I’m not one to judge with my casual hookups, but he should have more respect. Stop jumping into relationships so quickly if he won’t take them seriously.

“Yeah,” Miguel responds. “Club tonight?”

“Sure,” Troy says. He nods at me. “Hey, Brody. You still got that room at your place, right?”

I stare at him. “What?”

“The month is up with my girl.”

It takes a second to remember, then I curl my fingers closed and curse under my breath. Troy’s girlfriend gave their relationship one month. If it wasn’t better, she swore she’d kick him out. Not knowing Paige would move in, I promised to let him crash at my place if his girl dumped him. Looks like she did.

I stifle a sigh. It’s not Troy’s fault my house is full.

“I can sleep on the couch,” he offers. “And I’ll pay a month of your mortgage even if I don’t stay that long. Help you out with bills. Your sister is still living with you, right?”

“Yeah, and—” I tighten my lips. I just realize I never told either of them about Paige. Strange. I’m usually pretty candid and chatty at work.

Miguel tilts his head. “And what?”

“There’s a lot going on right now,” I say to Troy. “Sorry, man. I don’t think I have room.”

Troy and Miguel exchange a look. My stomach tightens with anticipation. I know Miguel. He’s relentless. “What aren’t you sharing?” he probes. “Come on. I’ve known you five years and you always keep your word. You’re really turning Troy out?”

Great. Here’s the guilt trip.

Troy joins in. “Didn’t you say you had room in your office for an air mattress? I have nowhere else to go right now.”

I shove my hand in a pocket. “I have a new tenant.”

Miguel laughs. “Tenant? Like you rented out a room?”

“No. My sister’s friend is staying with us.”

Both men lift their eyebrows. Now I know why I didn’t tell them. Because they’re exactly like me. Thirsty. But unlike me, Miguel falls too hard, too fast, and freaks women out, while Troy treats relationships like they’re disposable.

“Oh?” Troy says with a crooked grin. “What’s her hotness level?”

I don’t like the glint in his eye, the one that says he’s ready for a new fling. “Look,” I snap. “She’s my sister’s friend and we’re not discussing her. I don’t have room. I’m sorry.”

“Okay, I get it,” Troy says. “You’re banging her.”

I grimace. Banging? I know I’ve used that term, but now it sounds repulsive. Banging Paige? That doesn’t sound right when talking about her.

“Come on,” Miguel says. “Really? You promised him a place to stay. I’d offer, but I have relatives coming to visit and they’re judgmental. You know how tías are.”

Troy clasps his hands in front of his chest, eyes pleading. “Don’t leave me homeless, man. I promise I’ll stay away from your sister and her friend. I was just curious. Besides, I got a new girl. A month of rent for letting me crash two weeks. That’s it.”

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