I would eventually wind up in bed with him, then quickly forgotten. I don’t think I can be used again in that manner. Colin would be too easy to fall for and, for him, I would just be another number.
I prepare to start my afternoon classes, but my eyes keep cutting to the windows. Please tell me I haven’t already fallen under his spell. No, I won’t allow that to happen. I won’t let myself be fooled again.
* * *
Ilove my little house with yellow shutters. It was left to me by my mother when she passed. I couldn’t bear to sell it, even when I struggled to pay my college tuition and the mortgage. I moved back into it after she died while renting out the extra bedrooms. It saved the house until I found a full-time job making it possible to afford the bills on my own. Now it was my refuge.
My mother meticulously built and planted the flower beds across the front that I’ve become obsessed with maintaining. She had been smart enough to buy the smallest, cheapest house in a great neighborhood, working for years to fix it up, room by room, for us. I almost have the mortgage paid off, then it will be all mine.
I park in the tiny garage in back before letting myself in the kitchen door. We painted the entire interior in bright, happy colors. My kitchen is a mix of white subway tile and yellow paint. I have a little kitchen table that Izzy helped me refurbish, that I love.
Dropping my work on the table, I head to the bedroom to throw on my jeans and sweatshirt. I’m hungry, having only gotten to eat half my lunch. Microwaving some macaroni and cheese in a bowl seems the easiest.
Heading out to the front porch, I curl one leg under me as I sit in my porch swing to eat. Various neighbors are out for their evening walks. They wave as they walk by pushing strollers, their older kids riding bikes.
By the time I’m ready to head in for the evening, I’ve formulated a plan to forget Colin Rhett. It involves the following: don’t talk to him, don’t see him, don’t think about him. No problem, this should be a piece of cake. My thoughts immediately think of eating cake off of his chiseled chest while straddling his waist. No, no, no.
Next, I’ll throw myself into my job, maybe take up a hobby. If I fill my brain enough, he won’t be able to work his way in there. Right? I manage to follow this plan until I’m sitting on my couch, in my pj’s, watching TV. My phone pings.
Unknown: How did the rest of your day go? Did you slowly starve?I don’t know the phone number, but these texts can only come from one place.
Maggie: Colin? How did you get my phone number?
Colin: Guess.Damn it, Lily!
Maggie: Is there something you need or are you just concerned about my caloric intake?I set my phone back down when I don’t hear from him for ten minutes. Ping.
Colin: Since I obviously am only allowed intellectual text, here is my question. If I was interested in reading more classic literature, what is the first one you would recommend?
Really? What game could he possibly be playing this time, because with Colin, there is always a game. I have to give him some credit though. He knows I won’t be able to ignore him when it involves great literature. Oh, he’s got game alright!
Maggie: ReadRebeccaby Daphne Du Mornay.
I answer with a laugh. I would love to see him make it all the way through the gothic thriller. I’ll be surprised if he even bothers. Ping.
Colin: Thank you. Until later, sweet dreams. Be sure to let me know if I’m in any of them.
Crap, step one is slowly crumbling around my feet. He actually added a winky face to the end. What attorney does that? I sigh and head for my bedroom. This is going to prove to be another sleepless night.
I didn't hear from Colin the next day. With a sigh of relief, I decide that, just maybe, whatever game he is playing is over. I didn’t figure it would take him long to grow bored with me and move on. When I go out to lunch, though, I don’t close my eyes just in case I’m to be graced with an ocean of charm again.
Without a word throughout work, I finally make it home. By the time I leave my front porch swing this evening, I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed. Am I really that boring? It’s good TV night and I’ve just snuggled down on my couch to watch when I hear it. Ping. I grab at my phone maybe a little too enthusiastically.
Colin: I dreamed of Manderley. Is it sick to say I honestly hope the crazy housekeeper was roasted like a marshmallow?I cover my mouth quickly at the sound of my very unladylike snort of laughter.
Maggie: You read it?
Colin: Of course I read it! You doubted me? Miss Emerson, I am truly offended!
Maggie: Honestly, yes.
Colin: Just when I thought my ego was starting to show its face again. Bam! What’s my next assignment my dear teacher?I have to think for a few minutes.
Maggie: Since you mentioned Faulkner at the party, have you readThe Sound and the Fury?
Colin: I’ll get right to it. Report to follow soon. One question though?
Maggie: What is that, counselor?
