Page 21 of Idle

“You are special, Jesse.”

She’s buttering me up, but still those words coming out of her mouth sound dirty.Mind out of the gutter.“You’re not going to think so when I give you my one condition.” She tilts her head, so I continue, “On Sunday, 1626 has to be in the same condition as before the party started. The cameras can’t pick up anything about the party. Got it?”

She nods. “Sure thing. Although I can’t imagine how we could do anything to ruin the ambiance of the place.” She laughs.

Because I agree, I join her. “You’re probably right, but I don’t want to see any wine or beer bottles strewn around.”

She holds up three fingers. “You got it.”

My partner leans over and kisses my cheek, then scampers away toward Bo. These are going to be the longest six weeks on record.

* * *

Music fills the air, together with the smell of beer and pizza. In the apartment, people bump into the other, celebrating the college graduation of two girls I’ve met for about five minutes total. If not for Xander, Madison, Theo, and Amelia, I would’ve bailed on this party hours ago.

At least the balcony is sturdy and provides a more comfortable setting than inside. After Amelia yawns for the third time, her fiancé takes pity on her. Kissing her hand, he addresses the rest of us. “I think we’re going to congratulate the twins again and head home.” He looks at me, a twinkle in his eyes. “Your new place has potential.” His broad grin conveys his real thoughts about it.

“I think it’s going to be amazing when Paige and I get through with it.” I shake his hand and give Amelia a peck on the cheek.

Xander takes Madison’s proffered cup. “We’ll walk out with you guys.”

I give my business school friends hugs. Madison whispers, “I have faith in you two. You’re going to clean this place up and everyone will want to buy it.” She motions toward the river. “With views like these, you’re going to be on every real estate agent’s short list.”

“Let us know if we can be of any help.” Xander slaps me on the back, then follows his fiancée into the living room to say their good-byes.

Alone on the balcony, I let my mind drift to how we can make this place spectacular. Ideas swirl to enhance the plans we submitted. A feature wall with millwork would boost the dead space near the door. My thoughts are interrupted when Nancy comes out onto the balcony.

I stifle a sigh. “Hi, Nancy. Enjoying the party?”

“Yes. Paige sure has some good-looking brothers. Not that they hold a candle to my Dan, of course, but neither one of them was hard on the eyes.”

I don’t bother to correct her about Xander’s being Paige’s pseudo-cousin. Not worth it. Since I have nothing to add to her observation, I ask, “Was Quinn right? Does your apartment look like this one?”

Nancy turns toward the living room. “Yeah. Ours is very similar only the bedrooms are on the opposite side of yours.” She rubs her hands together. “I can’t wait to start in on the living room Monday. My mind’s swirling about how to make it pop.” She bats her eyelashes. “I’m sure yours is as well.”

Not about to spill any tea with her, I give her a noncommittal shrug. “We have some ideas, yes.”

“Dan can’t wait to dive in. He says—and I agree—the views are what’s going to sell this place.” I bring my beer to my lips. It’s not Guinness, but the dark ale does the trick. Before I can swallow, Nancy continues. “We’re planning on showcasing them from every angle. Don’t you think that’s the way to go? I mean, some nice architectural details inside exist, like the fireplace, but these views.” She fans her face. “Am I right?”

In desperation, I drain the last of my beer. I don’t want to share any ideas with my competition, nor am I enthused to be talking with her. Seems like her boyfriend isn’t, either, considering she’s out here alone.

Deciding to poke the bear, I ask, “Where’s your partner in crime?” I pretend to peer into the apartment. “Haven’t seen him lately.”

She points toward the kitchen area. “Last I saw, he was in the kitchen chatting with Robbie and Frank. Or maybe the sisters. Definitely not that Bo, though.” She leans toward me. “Don’t you think he’s kinda slick, in a cowboy sort of way?”

Alerts buzz from every corner of my being. Not only is Nancy a gossip, she’s also judgmental.Doesn’t matter that I share her opinion of my bunkmate. I flip my empty beer bottle so it points toward the patio floor—which needs to be resurfaced. “I think I’m going to join Dan in the kitchen. Need a refill.”

Not waiting for her response, I simply plant one foot in front of the other and vacate her orbit. Inside the main area of the apartment, I’m put right back on high alert. Instead of dwindling, this party seems to be picking up steam. What I envisioned as about twenty or so people getting together has grown to fifty. People sit in folding chairs around the rooms, talking and clinking red plastic cups. Music blares from a speaker on the island. At least the cops won’t be called, since no one’s living in the building yet.

It’s after one. Filming starts the day after tomorrow, and this place has to be clean. Or, as clean as it was before this party started.

Chloe and Gabrielle are surrounded by their friends and seem to be having a grand old time. They’re great girls and deserve to enjoy themselves, but this party should be winding down. Paige needs to handle this.

I check around the public areas, but my partner’s nowhere to be found. Maybe she’s in the bathroom? I cross the room to the fireplace and rest my forearm against the mantle to wait.

Five minutes pass.

Five more.

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