I replay Ashleigh’s words: easy peasy.
Yea. Nothing about this is going to be easy fucking peasy.
15
JON
“And these aremarble countertops all around. The builder, Mr. Montez, takes pride in high-end details and finishes,” Meredith, the realtor, says. Her botoxed face is stuck in a permanent scowling smile.
“I love how open and fresh it feels here,” Nicolette says as she takes in the open floor plan in the new high-rise condominium. This is the fourth unit we’ve looked at. They’re all similar in style and finishings. Nicolette keeps insisting on having options, and holding out for a better unit. This is our second weekend in a row touring this building and I feel myself on the brink of an anxiety attack every time my bare feet—because no shoes are allowed– tap against the freshly finished hardwood floors. “And it’s so modern. Young. Other places we’ve toured have an older, dated feel,” Nicolette adds. She’s referring to an apartment in the building I currently live in.
“Do you do a lot of cooking?” Meredith asks, already bored with showing us units. Or, maybe I’m projecting my boredom onto her. She’s already asked this type of question to Nicolette in the previous units.What type of cooking do you enjoy doing? Do you prefer to stay in and cook or go out to eat?I don’t know why this matters so much? A kitchen’s a kitchen, right?
Nicolette opens and closes the overhead cabinets, inspecting forsome flaw that isn’t there. I don’t know Cruz Montez personally, but his reputation is one of perfection. He designs the most beautiful buildings and homes in Paramount. If Nicolette is looking for any imperfections, she won’t find them here.
“Not as much as I’d like. I’m still working full-time as a labor and delivery nurse,” she answers, sounding almost annoyed.
When we first met, she talked about her job with such passion and enthusiasm. It’s what attracted me to her—that she cared about helping new mothers and their babies. L&D is a difficult specialty and requires nurses with a lot of patience and empathy.
“Oh, you must be getting serious baby fever, then,” Meredith adds, her dark red nails casually tapping the glossy counters.
Nicolette looks at me with a coy smile. I take her silence as an opportunity to nip this conversation in the bud.
“We’re not in any rush to start a family. I still have another year with my fellowship, and then I’ll be working to get my practice up and running.”
Nicolette’s features quickly flash to confused annoyance, but she schools her face quickly and gives Meredith the fakest chuckle I’ve ever heard.When did Nicolette become so fake?
“We definitely want to be settled in a new home before we start planning for babies,” Nicolette says.
“Well, these units are going fast, and I already have contracts with young families. You’d meet so many great people here. I’m showing this specific unit to three more couples today. I don’t expect it to be available after this weekend,” Meredith adds.
Nicolette does her best to look unbothered, but I can see the frantic energy in her hazel eyes. “Oh, well babe, we should really discuss this place, right?”
I turn away, rolling my eyes. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to live here. Nicolette comes up behind me and wraps her arms around my waist. “Doesn’t this feel like a cozy home for us, babe?” Her tone is now sweeter and playful.
I want to peel her hands off me. I want to walk out of this condo and go back to my basic,dated, apartment. I want to tell Nicolette that we need some space and time to think about what we really want.Except I’m a fucking coward and a life with Nicolette is probably what’s best—safe, predictable, stable. I’m just in a weird funk. I’m taking out my frustrations on my relationship.
“It’s really nice. Let’s not rush into any decisions just yet, okay? I need to get back to work.” I place a quick kiss on top of her light brown hair.
“You two are adorable. This place was made for you. Nicolette, how about we grab a quick coffee since your fiancé is heading off to work, anyway,” Meredith butts in. She’s not old—mid-forties—but she’s had enough work done and clearly indulges in one-too-many martinis to hide her aging complexion. I clench my fists within my pants pockets, hiding my frustration of being called Nicolette’s fiancé.
“Oh! That sounds great! Let’s go!”
I follow the ladies downstairs, staying quiet in the elevator as they gab and yap about whatever town gossip is going on.
“And I hear that disaster of a human is coming back to town. You know the horrifying woman who beat up Brice Strickland?”
My ears perk up at the mention of Margeaux. I do my best to look like I’m ignoring the conversation and appear busy scrolling through my phone.
“Ugh. Why is that disgusting witch coming back? Wasn’t she restricted from Paramount for what she did?” Nicolette scoffs. I feel her eyes glaring over at me, but I don’t look up. I type a fake message into my phone, keeping up my charade.
“I heard from my friend who works for Mayor Gimble’s office that she’s being forced to pay a lofty fine to the cityandgive a public apology to the Strickland family. You don’t get to cause trouble in this city and get off without penalty,” Meredith says, checking her crow’s feet in the reflection of the elevator doors.
“Ugh. They should just lock her up. Someone like that is bad news. I don’t know why Mayor Gimble is allowing her back into the city. I hope they have police escorts around her at all times. I wouldn’t take the chance that she wouldn’t go on a crime spree,” Nicolette adds her two cents.
Nicolette has never been this unkind. She’s someone who can get along with everybody. Yea, she’s gossiped about people in the past, butnever has she said such hateful comments. She’s met Margeaux; she saw how normal and good-natured Margeaux is, how sweet and friendly she was with Sammy.
The elevator dings and the doors open. “Have a good day, ladies,” I mumble, storming out of the new building. Nicolette always compliments me on how well-mannered I am.I’m so different from other men who play games. If only Nicolette knew what I did with Margeaux. That Istillthink about her. I don’t want to hurt Nicolette, but the more time we spend together, the less of a spark I feel for her.
