Page 35 of The Bluffing Game

“Oh. That’s interesting.”

“You sound like you don’t find it very interesting, but that’s okay. You seem to be the sort of guy who spends most of his time in the gym deadlifting and not much else.”

“Are you calling me a beefcake?”

“You do have a lot of muscles.”

“Glad you noticed.” I flex my right bicep for her.

I’m not surprised when she groans loudly. In fact, I kinda like it. I would have been taken aback if she had gasped in awe and fawned all over me.

“Hard not to when you’re flexing in my face.” She yawns loudly. “Guess the dollars at the gym were well spent.”

“I would agree, seeing as you can’t keep your eyes off me.”

“In your dreams, Dalton.”

“How did you know?”

“Because I can read your mind.” She shrugs and then looks out of the window. “It’s so pretty here. One of the prettiest towns I’ve ever been in.” There’s a wistful tone to her voice as we pass by one of the main shopping areas in Santa Capinari.

There are twinkling fairy lights illuminating the cute storefronts, and a young family is walking their golden retriever down the street.

“I love dogs,” she says as she notices them as well. “Do you and Toby have one?”

“We do not, but I’m sure he wishes we did.” I smile to myself, thinking about how excited Toby would be if we got a dog, not that it would happen anytime soon. The house is already a hot mess, without any pets. “Maybe one day.”

“He’s a cute kid. Also, thanks for helping me tonight. I’m sure you would rather be with your son.” She sounds sincere, and I’m touched by her comment.

We just spent the entire evening going back and forth, and yet she is still thoughtful about my son. That means a lot to me.

“Thanks. He’s occupied tonight, so I have time.”

I make a left, and we make our way away from the beach and toward her apartment. The houses gradually grow smaller, the landscaping is less pristine, and the driveways shorter. Finally, we cross the line from Santa Capinari into the next city, passing the Thanks for Visiting sign, and Sage gasps.

“What’s wrong?” I ask her, wondering why she looks so agitated.

“That sign said Thanks for Visiting Santa Capinari.”

“Indeed, it did.”

“But we haven’t reached my apartment yet. I didn’t see that sign when I drove past the building before.”

“Did you follow GPS or Sal’s directions?”

“Sal said to use his directions because GPS doesn’t always get the directions right.”

“Sal gave you directions that won’t take you past that sign for a reason. I’m afraid you don’t live in Santa Capinari. Not to be rude, but there’s no way you thought that your place was in⁠—”

“I did,” she bellows. “I moved here to live in Santa Capinari.”

“The residents of the city would no way allow a broken-down, drug-infested apartment complex in our city. Far too many Karens and Kens who live there for that. And frankly, I’m glad. That place is an eyesore.”

“So, you’re familiar with it?”

“Yes. I know Sal, and I know his buildings.” I don’t go into details.

I turn down another dark street until, finally, I’m pulling into her parking lot. There’s an old, rusted red Ford pickup truck parked right next to where I stop, and I notice two skinny dudes in white tank tops sitting on the hood, drinking beers. Country music plays from the radio, and they both eye me as I get out of the car.