I should’ve known the good news wouldn’t be the kind of good news I’d hoped for.
“Long story short, your carpet is severely damaged, but everything else should dry out and be okay—with the exception of your TV.” He cringes. I guess it's time to upgrade my old TV anyway; I used this one throughout college. I take notice of several box fans propped up throughout my living room. “We will replace the carpet for you. We can come first thing on Monday to get started.”
“Well, thanks so much for your help tonight,” I nod at the technician. My eyes skim the room, landing on Jasper, who has a front-row VIP seat to the shit show that is my life. “Anything else I need to know?”
“We typically advise tenants who experience flooding to avoid spending time in their apartments until the carpet has been repaired or replaced. Mildew can build up pretty quickly, and we wouldn’t want you to inhale that.” He hesitates. “So, I’d suggest staying elsewhere for the next few days. Terribly sorry for the inconvenience. I can talk to management about discounting next month’s rent if you’d like.”
This is fine. Everything is fine. I am fine.I set Truman down and brainstorm what to do as the technician grabs the soggy towels and hurriedly vacates my unit.
“Thanks again,” I call after him, then gaze at Jasper, who’s leaning against the door frame with his arms folded, casually displaying how defined they are.
“You’re officially relieved of your duties, sir.” I salute him jokingly.
“I don’t know if you recall, but I told you I’d spend the rest of the evening with you, Iris.” He shrugs. “And it doesn’t look like the evening is over quite yet. In fact, it just got even more exciting.”
His eyes glitter with mischief as I roll mine. “Okay, well, I just need to text Callie and see if she’s cool with me crashing on her couch for the next few nights, it’s no big deal.” I pull my phone out to text her. Of course, the message fails to send, so I call her. It goes straight to voicemail. Callie is still at the party—duh.
“No answer?” he asks from my doorstep.
“Not yet, but it’s all good. I’ll figure it out. Really, you’re good to go. Thanks for tonight.” I turn and step toward my room. Time to pack for an unplanned getaway.
“Stay with me tonight.”
I pause, then turn back toward Jasper, still standing outside. Avoiding his statement, I say, “It must be cold out there, why don’t you come inside for a few minutes while I pack?”
“Oh good, I thought you’d never ask.” He hastily steps inside, closing the door behind him and rubbing his hands together for warmth. “Even if I wanted to come inside, I couldn’t.”
Confused, I look at him and raise my eyebrows. “You know, the whole vampire thing.” He quirks an eyebrow, then grins, pointing to his sharp canines.
“You’re something else.” I hold back a laugh, then walk into my bedroom, knowing he’s a few steps behind me at this point. Despite its current disheveled state, I’m surprisingly comfortable with him being here in my apartment.
“I meant it, though,” he says quietly while assessing my Bohemian wall decor. “The easiest option here is for you to stay with me—at least for tonight.”
“Jasper Alcott,we just became friends like five minutes ago, and now you expect me to sleep with you? We’re moving too fast,” I joke, trying to hide my nerves. He casts a wicked grin, fangs out and all.Damn. I guess my vampire phase never really ended after all.
“I have an extra room, Iris.” He says plainly, as if I should’ve known about his spare bedroom. “Although I wouldn’t mind the company. It’s been a while since I had anyone stay over.”
“Same,” I whisper thoughtlessly hoping he didn’t hear me. I quickly grab my weekender bag to load my belongings into and take a mental note to remember to pack Truman’s necessities, too.
“What can I do to help?” he asks from the dimly lit hallway. I feel bad asking for help, but since he offered and it’ll save time, I figure it won’t hurt to take him up on his offer.
“Maybe you could pack Truman’s overnight bag? His food is in the pantry on the bottom shelf. Other than that, we just need to pack his feeding bowls and some treats.” I shove as many clothing items as I can fit into my weekender. I have the tendency to overpack—I find it’s usually easier this way. I closemy door to change out of my angel costume into a hoodie and leggings. I check my phone to see that Callie still hasn’t received my message.C’mon, Callie. Please.
I sling the beige bag over my shoulder and venture back into the kitchen area to see Truman cozying up to our guest. Jasper runs his fingers along Truman’s spine, then gives him a good chin scratch. As if prompted, he looks over Jasper’s shoulder, stands on his hind legs, and meows. Definitely abnormal behavior for my fur baby.
“Truman?” I interrupt. He drops, landing on all-fours, keeping his eyes fixed just over his shoulder.
“Has she replied?” He averts my attention elsewhere.
“Nope,” I grumble. “But I can’t blame her; she was really looking forward to tonight.”
I pause, thinking. What other option do I have? I could go to our local motel for the night, but I’m not sure if it’s pet-friendly, and as tempting as it is to hide Truman in my weekender, it’s not realistic. His orange fluff would give us away in an instant. I could wait on Callie’s doorstep for her to get home, but it’s freezing outside, and there’s no telling on what time she will get back. If she even comes back tonight.
Think, think, think.
Staying at a client’s home is unorthodox. Unheard of for me. But no one has to know, right? I mean, I’ve already completed one thing I’ve never done tonight–why not cross another off my Do-Not list?
“I’ve made my decision,” I say, glancing at Jasper. He looks up, peering into my eyes.
