“That’s me.”
“I must inquire about your brother. I’ve been telling Fritz I need to speak with Anthony, but he has yet to provide any contact information.”
Damn, Nora wasted no time in her hunt to escape this simple life.
“He’s hard to reach,” Gilly said, eyeing the plants again. “May I ask a question? Why did you order so many?”
“I love plants. They bring me peace and are better than most people.” Nora caressed the one in her hands, almost like a pet. “Did you know there are studies that prove plants grow better when they are talked to? I try to have a conversation with them every day. My father insisted it was madness, but it works. I’ve been thinking of a playlist for them all day as well. Oh! Actually, I want to try a podcast! A positivity podcast for plants. Yes. That would work.” She tapped her finger to her lip as she nodded to herself.
The beat of silence following Nora’s statement felt like a weight being dropped on my shoulders. That was the weirdest shit I had ever heard in my entire life. Gilly, who had a comeback for everything, stood there, mouth parted, with absolute shock on her face.
Nora didn’t seem to care though. She set the small plant down and picked up another, eyeing it with the same expression Gilly wore when she was in the children’s section at the bookstore. Noralovedplants.
“Um, wow. That’s…something.” Gilly’s eyes bugged out of her head, and her lips curved. “Cool.”
“I need to get them settled in their new home. Fritz, did the delivery person leave the wire shelving?”
“Nope. Just plants.”
“Order me one. The sooner the better,” Nora said, her attention moving toward the plants as she unlocked her door and carried them in one by one.
“Uh, why don’t you order it online? Overnight shipping?” I said, flipping Gilly off as she covered her mouth with her hand. “Not a word,” I whispered.
“Hm,” Nora said, not paying us attention.
Gilly blinked a few times, and a little giggle escaped before she waved. “Well, I have a hair appointment, so I’ll head out. I wanted to drop by with some errands for you, Fritz, if you would be so kind to get them done.”
I glared at my brat sister. “Errands?”
“Yes. You’ll be able to complete them, won’t you? My car needs the oil changed.” She smirked.
“Your fiancé can help you if you’re so clueless about it.”
Nora sucked in a breath and pointed a finger at me. “You shouldn’t speak like that to the family who employees you. It is not a good look on you. Especially when they are so lax on the dress code.” Her gaze dropped to my outfit, and her face twisted into a scowl, like I was the weirdo talking toplants.
Gilly’s entire face was on the verge of tears—from amusement—and she spun around toward the door. “She’s right, Fritz. Remember that.”
“Wait! I have a favor, Gilly Carter,” Nora said, waltzing up to her with her swaying hips. “Could you save your hair?”
“Hm?”
“The clippings. I would like the clippings, please. It’s very hard to find human hair.”
“Um, why?” Gilly paled and rubbed her knuckles together.
Nora’s phone rang, and she dashed into the apartment, not answering Gilly’s question, and my sister narrowed her eyes at me.
“Holy shit, Fritz. Holy. Shit.”
“I know.”
“I can’t…this is…” She shook her head, laughing hard and waving. “Should I drop the car off for the oil change tomorrow or…?”
“Get out.”
She cackled before the door shut, and I put my hands on my hips, torn between horror and amusement. Why did Nora need hair? Why was she so weird?
But the most terrifying question was—why did I find her so intriguing?
