I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Right. Thanks.”
This was wonderful. Fantastic. Couldn’t be better.
Janet leaned farther out. “I knew something was brewing between you two.”
I choked. “What? Um no. There … there's nothing, um,brewing.”
She scoffed. “Don’t lie to an old woman. I smelled trouble right from the start. And Ilovetrouble, dear.”
“…Great?”
“Lord knows, this one” — she jabbed a thumb to her right — “could do with a bit of adventure in her life.”
I gaped at her. “Riiiight.”
“You want some advice?” she whispered, glancing left and right like she was expecting someone to jump out of the bushes.
Honestly, I didn't, but she pressed on regardless.
“Tori needs people who won't give up on her,” she mused, her tone oddly wistful. “Everyone else does. She’ll expect you to.”
Well, fuck. Those words hit me right in the chest. But Tori was aware I’d leave eventually, though, so it wasn’t like I was actually leaving her behind … right?
Janet continued, a fond expression on her face. “She’s prickly because she thinks she has to be. She’s trying to keep everyone at arm’s length, but she’s missing out on so many beautiful things in life. You should show her there’s more to life than this.” She made a circular motion with her hands, the flared sleeves of her robe flapping dramatically around her.
I swallowed hard. “I can try.”
Janet clasped her hands together excitedly. “Good, dear, I think you might be just the person for the job! Also, don’t tell her I said any of that.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Good.” She straightened. “Now, would you like her number for next time? I’ve got it written on a sticky note.”
I recoiled, my brows shooting up to my hairline. “You … um, you’ve got her number ready on a sticky note?”
“I keep everyone’s numbers. You never know when you’ll need to arrange an alibi.”
She winked.
Jesus Christ.
“Anyway,” she said, already pulling back into her room, “go get your girl. I’ll deny everything if asked.”
She slammed her window shut, only to open it again, albeit just a crack.
“If you want any more insider information, you'll have to pay me in double-stuffed Oreos.”
I slow-blinked. “Righto.”
“Lord knows those cookies are the only double-stuffed things these walls see these days. Such a shame.”
With that, Janet closed the window all the way. I stared at it for a long moment before shaking my head.
“What the hell just happened?”
But I couldn’t dwell, for I had a mission.
And apparently an incorrect throwing angle.
