Page 39 of Maid For Each Other
“That’s what he’s thinking about,” she said, “but he also saidI can just move into his apartment like a month after he gets it, since she can’t do much about him having friends over.”
Poor Elsa, I thought, my stomach feeling heavy at the memory of my mom “having friends over.”
“Listen, I have to go,” I said, closing my notebook and standing. “I’ve got dinner plans and I need to get ready.”
“Ooh, do you have a date?” she asked, perking up.
Spoiler: My mother thought being in a relationship was the pinnacle of existence.
Spoiler: I was inclined to disagree with her.
“No, just dinner with friends,” I lied, because it was way easier than explaining my actual situation. “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” she said as I opened the door and went back inside the condo.
Just as I hung up, Declan sent a text.
ARE YOU OKAY WITH ME COMING BY AROUND 6 TO TAKE A QUICK SHOWER BEFORE WE GO TO DINNER?
I was impressed by how conscientious he’d been about sharing his place. He was behaving as if it was my apartment and I was in charge, when in reality he could totally boss me around and there was nothing I could do about it.
I texted:if you don’t stop yelling all the time I’m going to hide a catfish somewhere in your house that will slowly rot and attract vermin
He replied quickly.IS THAT A YES?
I sent:That is a yes but use your key like this is your place. How’s the Q&A going?
Declan:JUST CONCLUDED, ACTUALLY.
I texted:Don’t forget to give Warren his muffins.
Declan:WHAT MUFFINS?
Me:The muffins on the table next to your water.
Declan:IS THAT WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Me:Duh
Declan:YOU DIDN’T TELL ME THAT.
Me:Sure I did.
Declan:TRUST ME, YOU DIDN’T
Me:Are you going to keep screaming nonsense at me, or are you going to leave me alone so I can shower before you get home?
Declan:I’M GOING TO LEAVE YOU ALONE FOR NOW, BUT LATER YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR THE NONSENSE COMMENT.
That made me pause.
Gasp.
Was heteasingme?
I stared down at my phone for a second before texting:ARE YOU THREATENING ME, POWELL?
Declan:Calm your ass down, Mariano. See you at six.
