“Have I made myself clear about telling anyone?” I asked, annoyed now.
“I—Yes. Clear,” he babbled. “I won’t say anything, I promise. I won’t. I won’t?—”
Then his voice dropped, guilty and small. “I might have scared her, though. When I realized it, I panicked. I didn’t mean to—she ran. I feel like an asshole.”
I let the line hang a second, listening to the little noises of him pacing. “Don’t say anything,” I said finally, before ending the call.
It was inconvenient that he knew, but Garrett was a good guy. He wouldn’t say anything.
And if he did…I guess I’d have to get Jace and Parker to help me kill him.
Ophelia was going to be here any minute, though. I’d better let the guys know that she was moving in today.
Me: Ophelia’s moving in today.
Jace: Wait. What? Which one of the plans did you use? Fog machine or bedbugs?
Parker: Or did you go full possum release? Because I really thought you were going to need us for that one.
Me: I didn’t do any of that.
Jace: You didn’t? She just…agreed??
Me: Well, not yet.
Parker: …
Jace: Okay, so does that mean you do need me to find some dogs?
Me: I’m good. I found out she’s the one that’s been stalking me. So if she says no to moving in, I’ll just blackmail her or something.
Parker: …
Jace: …
I stared at the phone. Waiting for their reaction becausedot,dot,dotcould mean so many different things.
Parker: I think that will work well. Good job.
Jace: I can’t say she has good taste, stalking you. But she has other traits that make up for it. So I’ll let it pass.
I grinned. I knew I could always count on them for support.
Me: If you could clean up my room somehow, Jace-face. That would be great.
Jace: How did I know that was coming? Isn’t it enough that my Riley-girl saved you?
Parker: What the hell are you two talking about? Riley saved you from what?
Me: Jace, can you catch him up? And then get to cleaning? I want it to be nice for when Ophelia gets there. I wouldn’t want to start this off as anything but perfect.
Jace: …
Jace: Yes, when something starts with blackmail, you don’t want to do anything to ruin the vibes.
Me: I would think you were being sarcastic, Bedbug Man, but we both know you would never do that.
Parker: I’m coming over for an explanation, Thatcher.
