Falling into my chair, I lean back and reread every word. Even with an eye roll or two, I smile. Not because of the toxic to horses and goats thing, but... everything else. Him and all his sunshine and goodness that pours out of him like a waterfall—unstoppable and unfiltered.
Renée:
Jonah: I got an A?!
Renée: I can tell you’re putting in the effort. You deserve it.
The typing dots appear for a long time and disappear. Then again, and again.
Renée: Are you doing anything tonight? I was thinking we could plan Delta’s party. But if you have to work then maybe another time.
His reply is immediate.
Jonah: Yes! Come over! And I actually don’t strip anymore (but I’ll make an exception for you, just ask)
Renée: I’ll see you later then.
The memory of our private room all those months ago flashes behind my eyes and, yes, I very much want a private dance from all those glistening muscles.Ohhh, what I would do if there were no rules, no bouncer, no time limit...
My mind trails off on a delicious tangent before it’s derailed for another reason.
How does he make money?The question flickers like a neon sign. Stripping can’t bethatlucrative. Does he even have a job? I need to sort this out because it’s starting to bother me. Straight up, I’m going to ask him tonight. I know it’s none of my business, but... it kind of is now. He’s not some random former student; he’s not a quiet neighbor who sticks to himself. My daughters are enamored with him, and I am growing a garden on his property. I kind of do have a right to know how he makes his money.
Jonah
With a light heart, I fall back onto the closest soft surface in the middle of the showroom floor. This couch is too firm for my liking, but it serves as my fainting pad after reading Renée’s text.
My exhale is loud and high-pitched, and I’m certain cartoon hearts are popping out of my eyeballs. “She’s coming over tonight, LaShonda.”
The sales associate, who has been more than accommodating of my every whim and expertly reigns in my furniture choices, crosses her arms and studies me. “You look smitten.”
“As a kitten,” I sigh.
Joaquín turned me on to this fancy home furnishings store, and for the last two days LaShonda has been helping me pick furniture for every room in my home. She about fell over when I told her how much I needed. I showed her the online listing of my house, and she snooped through every picture and took notes on what I needed. Couchesand chairs and bed frames and desks and rugs and lamps and blankets and... I’m dizzy just thinking about it.
She’d better get a huge commission check because she deserves it! What a pro.
Suddenly the reality of what I just agreed to hits me. Renée will be in my home tonight, and I still have no furniture. It’s been weeks since she was over during the storm, and all I had then were beds and a couple of stools.
I bolt upright. “How fast can I get all of this delivered? Like, can I get it tonight?”
LaShonda’s eyes round, and she laughs. “Mr. Johanssen, this is custom furniture. Even with an expedite fee, delivery will take at least a month.
“A MONTH?”
I have Joaquín on the phone in less than five seconds. “She’s coming over tonight to talk about birthday party plans, and I still don’t have furniture, dude. What should I do?”
“I assume you’re talking about Renée?”
“Of course.”
LaShonda steps away to fill out some forms while my heart pounds through my chest, waiting for my Joaquín to save me.
“Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do. Finish your furniture order, and on your way home, pick up the nicest outdoor patio set at a home improvement store. It’s a beautiful day, so have your meeting with her on your porch.”
My best friend is thebestbest friend that ever friended.
Renée
