E:
We do live together. You just haven’t accepted that fact yet. Doesn’t make it any less true, though.
Me:
You need serious mental health help.
E:
No, what I need is you.
Me:
I’m getting in the shower.
E:
I want to watch. Video call me.
Before I can respond, his face is flashing across the screen. I accept the call and place the phone back down on the counter, giving him a direct view of the ceiling.
“Evie, I want to see you,” Emmanuel says.
“I’m naked,” I tell him.
“That’s the point.”
“You’re not watching me shower, E. It’s weird. What did you get up to last night?” I ask as I step under the water.
“I went to see Jazzy. She asked about you.”
“Why would she do that?”
“She saw your name on my wrist. Asked if I was going to marry Evie. I told her I was.”
“You can’t tell her things like that. She’s a kid. You’re going to get her all excited for something that’s not even happening,” I chastise.
“It’s happening. How was your night?”
“Long,” I groan. I didn’t sleep. I haven’t slept since I got here. I’m starting to feel it too. “Charlottewants to show me a retail space today, at the Royal mall.”
“Does she? That’s good. It’s a great spot,” E says.
“Mhm, I can’t afford a spot on the Strip. But I told her I’d look.”
“How much is the rent?”
“I have no idea,” I admit.
“Then you don’t know if you can afford it or not. Want me to talk to Louie? I can negotiate the rate for you,” Emmanuel offers.
“No,” I tell him. “Don’t do that. I’m not sure your negotiation tactics are suitable for my type of business.”
“My negotiation tactics have proven results. If you want the store, take it. Believe in yourself like I believe in you.” This man really does say the sweetest things.
“I will consider it.” Turning off the water, I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body. Then I pick up the phone, finally getting a glimpse of Emmanuel. He looks tired. “Did you sleep last night?” I ask him.
“No, I had some things pop up.”
