I snort, but he can’t hear me. Thank goodness.
Billy:In my experience, it takes women hours to prepare for a night out.
I’d snort again if that last statement hadn’t made me pause.
Me:I don’t need four hours. An hour and a half is plenty.
Lies. All lies. I can get ready for anything in thirty minutes or less. But I can’t let him think I’m not all lady-like and shit like his other girlfriends. At least not yet.
I’m looking around the condo wondering if I should, in fact, start to get ready when the doorbell rings. I pause to weigh my options. I could answer it. But what if it’s his mom or something? An ex? Or worse, my psycho sister? I could send him a text to ask what I should do, but I’m a damn grown-up. But you know what? It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Me: Does my sister know where you live?
Billy:Yes. She’s been over a couple of times.
I tiny flair of jealousy hits me but I let it go fast. I’ve got other things to worry about right now. I stare at the door chewing on my bottom lip as I think. I can figure this out. I’m being ridiculous. He just told me she’s at work. Stepping quietly to the door, I place my hand on it and lift up on my toes to peek out the peephole. When I do, I see it’s a guy about my age. He’s dressed in a shirt, tie, and a nice winter jacket. “Yes?” I say through the door.
“Josephine?”
“Yes.”
“I have a package for you from the pharmacy and lunch.”
“You do? From whom?
“Mr. Mathers, miss.”
“Miss?” I whisper to myself. “Who is Mr. Mathers?”
“William Mathers, miss?”
“Billy?”
“I suppose. Can you please open the door? I need to get back to the office.”
Oops, he sounds a tad testy. Unlocking the deadbolt, I open the door a crack and hold my hand out. When I feel a bag in my hand, I pull it through the opening. Peeking back out, I smile at him. “You work with Billy?”
“I’m his admin.”
“What’s your name?”
“Dex.”
“That’s a cool name.” What? It is.
“Thanks, Josephine.”
“Call me Jo.”
“I’d better not. He told me your name was Josephine.”
I giggle at Dex’s comment. “Have it your way. Thanks for delivering this to me.”
“Your eye looks bad. You need to get some of those eye drops in there. I’ve had a scratched eye before. It can get infected easily.”
“Right. Thanks, Dex. See ya.” I shut the door and relock it. My sister is out there somewhere, after all.
Back at the counter, I quickly send a thank-you text to Billy for getting my prescriptions. “I’ll pay you back.”
