Page 64 of A Bossy Roommate
My heart melts a little at her words. If only she knew the truth and that all of it is nothing more than acting. I need to do a much better job of not letting her words get to me.
The more she talks, the more I realize how tired she looks. Her hands shake when she lifts her teacup again, nearly spilling it before I reach out to help. Despite what she said earlier, I’m sure the long plane ride has taken a lot out of her.
“Auntie, why don’t we get you settled into your room for a nap?” I suggest. “You’ve had a long day, and I think it would do you some good to get some rest.”
This time she doesn’t protest. “You’re right, dearie. That jet lag gets me every time. It has been a long trip, and I am positivelyfatiguée.” I make a move to help her, but she declines. “I can stand on my own. By the way, no need to fuss over me,ma chère. I’m not planning to meet our lord and savior quite yet. I still have plenty of good health in this body, so stop worrying.It’s true, I may not be able to do everything I used to, but I’m not completely helpless.”
“Of course you aren’t. We haven’t known each other long, but I get the feeling you’re a tough one.”
“Smart, beautiful, and an excellent judge of character.” She laughs. “And impeccable taste in husbands. Keep doing you, dearie. I can see why my nephew was so drawn to you.”
I feelrelieved once I see her guest room door close. Things may not have gone exactly as planned, but thankfully I haven’t ruined the whole cover.
Buzzz.
I pull my vibrating phone out of my pocket.
Carter:
We’re almost done here. Everything okay?
Me:
Auntie is asleep. FYI, she didn’t believe the hotel bar story for a minute. Had to improvise.
The second I hit send I see the three dots appear, and I have the mental image of Carter somewhere between an angry heart attack and a furious rage. Before the three dots stop dancing, I quickly respond.
Me:
All good!
Told her we met at the ice cream shop and went to the bar, but still stuck to most of the story. She liked it.
Thumbs up emoji.
Carter:
Damn it. I’m on my way. Don’t say anything else.
I roll my eyes as I tuck my phone back into my pocket. He’s worrying about nothing. Aunt Eleanor adores me and doesn’t seem to care about anything other than the fact that we’re married.
Since she’s resting and Carter is at work, I figure I’ll take the time to get some rest myself and head up to Carter’s room for a well-deserved nap.
19
CARTER
“All right, Bradley, let’s get this shit over with.” I slide my phone back into my pocket. “I have to get back home.”
“I can just email it all to you. Expect it in your inbox before you hit the sack. You can get back home.”
Normally, I would tell him just to tell me now since I’m already here. But I’m desperate to get back home and decide to take him up on his offer. Giving him a slap on the back, I nod. “Thanks, man. Sorry you came all this way for no reason.”
“No problem. Don’t sweat it, Carr.” He waves me off. “You have more important things to focus on. Although I’ve got to say, Eden has done a number on you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Bradley shrugs. “I don’t know, man. You seem different. I’ve never known you to be in such a rush to get out of the office.”