Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 116232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
When I’d arrived this afternoon, I’d come in through the garage and had noticed the large box sitting off to the side. I’d assumed it was his and hadn’t looked at the label.
“I think so,” I said. “Let me text him real quick.” I pulled my phone out and began to thumb out my message.
“Oh, no, you don’t need to bother him,” she said quickly. “I can come back later. Do you know when he’ll be home?”
This woman baked him cookies and drove over here to retrieve her new mattress, but now was totally willing to walk away empty handed? I finished sending my text and studied her closer, noticing her makeup, her nice clothes, and her jewelry. She was quite put-together for just picking up a package.
Unless she wants to pick up more than just her mattress.
I couldn’t blame her for being attracted to Noah, or her wanting to shoot her shot, but . . . would he be interested in her?
She was almost old enough to be my grandmother.
“No,” I said. “I don’t know when he’ll be home.”
This answer frustrated her, and her disapproving gaze washed over me. “I’m sorry, who are you? You look a little young to be his girlfriend.”
She was kind of rude, but I was unfazed. “I’m his housekeeper.”
The phone in my hand buzzed, and Noah’s name flashed across the screen. “Hello?”
“Hi,” he said. “I thought it would be faster if we talked.”
Since we typically did it via text, it was the first time I’d heard his voice in weeks, and I tried to ignore the thrill that burst through me.
He spoke fast, as if he were busy. “That box showed up last night and I stuck it in the garage. I let my real estate agent know about it this morning, but is Judy still there?” He didn’t wait for my answer. “Can you put me on speaker?”
“Sure, just a second.” I tapped the icon on my screen. “You’re on.”
“Hey, Judy,” he started. “I put your box in my garage.”
Like me, excitement seemed to rocket through her at hearing his voice, and she tugged at the hem of her shirt before smoothing it out. It was like she wanted to make sure she looked her best, even though this was a freaking phone call, and he couldn’t see her.
“Hi, Noah.” She sounded as warm as the July sun overhead. “I’m so sorry for the mistake. I don’t know what I was thinking. Habit, I guess. I made you some cookies for the trouble, but I’ll come back later when you’re home.”
“I’d be happy to help you now,” I offered.
Judy’s eyes narrowed. “That’s sweet of you, but I’m sure the box will be too heavy.”
“You should be fine,” he said. “It’s really not that heavy.”
Her laugh was overly bright and fake. “Oh, of course you’d say that. You’re a big strong man.”
Wow. She was laying it on awfully thick.
She stared at me and lifted an eyebrow. “What?” her expression asked, feigning innocence. “I’m not doing anything.”
Oh, Judy, I need you to be so for real right now.
I slathered on an over-the-top smile. “You’re already here,” I said to her. “Why don’t we just try it, and see if we can save you from having to make another trip?”
She froze, looking like she’d been backed into a corner, and her face soured. She flung daggers at me with her eyes, before grumbling, “I guess we could do that.”
“Great, let me know how it goes,” Noah said. He tacked it on at the end, his voice dropping downward like it carried more meaning than a simple sendoff. “Good luck.”
I doubted she heard it, but I picked up on it. Was he wishing me luck on dealing with Judy?
I ended the call, told her to meet me at the garage, and watched her sulk as she went down the path that led to the driveway. Once I walked through the house, I pulled on my shoes, went out into the garage, and opened the overhead door. As it rolled up, I glanced at the side of the box sitting on its side.
It was only a twin mattress.
Although the thing was kind of heavy, it wasn’t bad at all. The oversized box was more awkward than anything because it didn’t have any handles to grab onto.
As I dragged it out of the garage, Judy stood motionless to the side, holding her plate of cookies as she watched. She made no effort to help. It was irritating, but I wasn’t going to be defeated, so I lugged the box to the back of her SUV by myself.
Apparently, she was only willing to supervise and pop the back hatch. When it was open, I peered inside and saw the back seats were down already, ready for the mattress.
I looked at her, and she stared back expectantly.