Page 12 of Voyeur Café

“Oh, definitely.” Allie nods.

“What changed her mind?” I ask. Both Cam and Allie look at me then, like they’d forgotten I was here.

Allie tilts her head to the side, chestnut waves spilling over her shoulder from the end of her ponytail. “Not interested in what changedhismind?”

Cam laughs and answers for me. “Nah, falling for the girl next door’s a classic.”

Allie narrows her eyes, then turns to Cam, answering my question as if he asked it. “Nora never explained it directly,” Allie scrunches her nose, considering, “but you can see in the way he looks at her, treats her, he’d do anything for her.”

A woman with pink hair and giant, thick, black-rimmed glasses comes up to Allie and wraps her in a hug, ending our conversation. She’s probably in her seventies but has the energy of someone much younger.

“Daisy, you look extra fabulous today!” Allie says, genuine delight coming through in her voice. Before walking away with her, Allie addresses Cam. “Nice to meet you, Cameron.” Then she turns to me, scowls, and hands me a list from her apron pocket. “There are a few more things in the back that you’ll need to get to immediately.”

Once she’s out of earshot, Cam turns to me. “Wow, she really does not like you.”

“I’ve been telling you…”

Cam waves it off. “She’ll come around. I have a sixth sense about these things.” Cam’s always saying shit like that, and for once I hope he’s right.

Chapter 5

Allie

Things are stacking up in your favor.Patience will see them come to fruition.-Allie’s horoscope, February 16th

The property manager from the third place on my list flashes a fake smile at me as she gets into her car. We both know it’s a no-go. That makes me zero for three. I pull out my orange pen to update my notes.

134 Cactus Ave – 9am, Feb 13

Too small. No windows in Devon’s “office”

279 Paseo De Montaña – Noon, Feb 13

Too much $$$$$$

2389 Desert Canyon Dr – 10am, Feb 16

No personality. Also, too much $$$$$$

My phone buzzes with a text from Devon.

Devon: What was thisone like?

Me: Stale air and disappointment.

Devon: Stop. It can’t be that bad.

Me: It really, really can.

Devon: Don’t give up. You’ve got this.

Me: I won’t! Don’t worry!

Devon: See you at barre tonight?

Me: …

Devon: Tacos after?

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